On August 24, 2026, Ukraine will mark the 35th anniversary of its independence. During this time, the country has journeyed from a young post-Soviet state to a country that has become one of the key symbols of the struggle for freedom in the world. Despite wars, economic crises, revolutions, and Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine has not only preserved its independence but also formed its own political nation. UNN recalls how Ukrainian independence was born and which major achievements have become symbols of the past 35 years.
How Ukraine Became Independent
At the end of the 1980s, the Soviet Union was rapidly losing control over the union republics. The movement for sovereignty was growing increasingly stronger in Ukraine, and on July 16, 1990, the Verkhovna Rada adopted the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Ukraine.
The decisive moment came in August 1991. Following the failure of the attempted coup in Moscow, the Ukrainian parliament adopted the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine on August 24. It was supported by 346 members of parliament.
From a Young State to a Country Fighting for Freedom
Over 35 years, Ukraine has endured difficult trials. The state developed its own economy, established the Armed Forces, adopted a Constitution, built democratic institutions, and gradually integrated into Europe.
At the same time, the country experienced two revolutions—the Orange Revolution in 2004 and the Revolution of Dignity in 2013–2014—which shaped its European development path.
After the occupation of Crimea and the outbreak of the war in Donbas in 2014, Ukraine launched large-scale military reform, and since February 24, 2022, has been defending its independence in a full-scale war against Russia.
35 Years of Independence: Key Moments in Ukraine’s History
Among the most important:
– the proclamation of Ukraine’s independence in 1991;
– the adoption of the Constitution of Ukraine in 1996;
– the renunciation of the world’s third-largest nuclear arsenal;
– the Orange Revolution of 2004;
– the Revolution of Dignity of 2013–2014;
– the signing of the Association Agreement with the European Union;
– obtaining visa-free travel with the EU in 2017;
– the establishment of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the receipt of the Tomos;
– Ukraine obtaining EU candidate status in 2022;
– the beginning of negotiations on accession to the European Union;
– full-scale resistance to Russian aggression, which has become a symbol of the struggle for freedom for the entire world.
What Defined the 34th Year of Independence
Ukraine spent its last year of independence amid a full-scale war, yet continued to strengthen its international standing and develop its own defense capabilities. The state retained the support of key allies, expanded cooperation with the United States and European countries, and continued its path toward full membership in the European Union.
One of the main events was the opening of negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the EU. At the same time, international partners continued to allocate multibillion-dollar assistance for defense, the country’s reconstruction, and the development of Ukraine’s defense-industrial complex.
At the same time, Ukraine substantially increased the production of its own long-range weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles. Ukrainian Defense Forces regularly struck military facilities, airfields, logistics centers, and enterprises of Russia’s military-industrial complex, demonstrating the ability to hit targets far beyond the front line.
Despite daily Russian attacks, Ukraine preserved the resilience of its state institutions, economy, and society. The 34th year of independence once again proved that the struggle for freedom remains for Ukrainians not only a historical choice but also a daily reality.
A Symbol of Resilience
Today, Independence Day carries a much deeper meaning for Ukrainians than it did in 1991.
If independence was then a political decision, it is now being fought for every day on the battlefield, on the diplomatic front, in the economy, through the volunteer movement, and through the work of millions of citizens.
Over 35 years, Ukraine has journeyed from a newly established state to a country that has become one of the main symbols of the struggle for freedom and the right to determine its own future.