EDITORIAL:

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

The Act of Declaration of Independence of
Ukraine was adopted by the Ukrainian parliament
on August 24, 1991. The Act established Ukraine as
an independent, democratic state.

The Act was adopted in the time when the conservative Communist
leaders of the Soviet Union committed a coup attempting to restore the
Communist party control over the country. In response, the parliament
of Ukraine on its special session overwhelmingly approved the Act of
Declaration. The Act was passed by 321 votes in favor, with 2 votes
against, and 6 abstain. The author of the text was Levko Lukyanenko
(see the photo on the right).

The same day, August 24, the parliament called for a referendum on support of the
Declaration of Independence. The proposition for calling the national referendum came
jointly from the majority leader Oleksandr Moroz, and the opposition leader Ihor
Yukhnovsky.

In the referendum on December 1, 1991, the people of Ukraine expressed widespread

support for the Act of Declaration of Independence, with more than 90% votes in favor.
Shortly after, the independence of Ukraine was recognized worldwide.

24th of August is celebrated in Ukraine as Independence Day.

Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine

• In view of the mortal danger surrounding Ukraine in connection with the state
coup in the USSR on August 19, 1991,
• Continuing the thousand-year tradition of state development in Ukraine,
• Proceeding from the right of a nation to self-determination in accordance with
the Charter of the United Nations and other international legal documents, and
• Implementing the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Ukraine,

Verkhovna Rada of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic solemnly declares

Independence of Ukraine and creation of the independent Ukrainian state
- UKRAINE.

The territory of Ukraine is indivisible and inviolable.

From this day forward, the Constitution and laws of Ukraine only are valid on
the territory of Ukraine.

This act becomes effective at the moment of its approval.

—VERKHOVNA RADA OF UKRAINE, August 24, 1991