Declaration Date: Ukraine declared its independence from the Soviet Union on August 24, 1991, following the failed coup attempt in Moscow that accelerated the collapse of the USSR.
Act of Independence: The Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine was adopted by the Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine’s Parliament) with 346 out of 450 deputies voting in favor.
Reason for Independence: The declaration stated that Ukraine was becoming an independent and democratic state, emphasizing the need to protect the lives and freedoms of its citizens after the Soviet Union’s political turmoil.
Nationwide Referendum: On December 1, 1991, over 90% of Ukrainians voted in favor of independence in a national referendum, with strong support across all regions, including Crimea.
International Recognition: Ukraine quickly gained recognition from other countries; Poland and Canada were among the first to recognize Ukraine’s sovereignty in early December 1991.
End of the USSR: Ukraine’s independence played a crucial role in the formal dissolution of the Soviet Union. Shortly after the referendum, leaders of Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus signed the Belavezha Accords, declaring the USSR dissolved.
