Today, 24th August 2024, Ukraine celebrates its 33rd year of independence, a significant milestone in the history of this resilient nation.
As Ukraine navigates a war for its territorial integrity, the day serves as both a commemoration of the struggles endured and a testament to the determination of its people to preserve their sovereignty.
Today, Ukrainians look back on the pivotal moments in their history that have shaped their identity as an independent state, from the ancient origins of Kyivan Rus to the modern challenges posed by Russian aggression.
The Path to Independence
Ukraine’s journey to independence is far from recent; it spans more than a thousand years of statehood, national identity, and continuous resistance. Ukraine’s independence is deeply rooted in the history of Kyivan Rus, a powerful Slavic state formed in the late 9th century.
Kyivan Rus laid the foundation for a distinct Ukrainian identity, with Kyiv as the cultural and political centre. This legacy is symbolised in Ukraine’s modern coat of arms, the tryzub (trident), a symbol that dates back to the ruling Rurik dynasty of Kyivan Rus.
Following the decline of Kyivan Rus, the State of Galicia-Volhynia, often referred to as the Kingdom of Ruthenia, emerged as a significant centre of Ukrainian statehood in the 13th and 14th centuries. The kingdom safeguarded Ukrainian lands, language, and culture, solidifying a national identity even as neighbouring powers attempted to subjugate them.
The next major chapter in Ukraine’s state-building came with the rise of the Cossack Hetmanate in the mid-17th century. Led by Bohdan Khmelnytskyi, the Cossack state was instrumental in preserving Ukrainian self-governance and culture. Although it had limited autonomy, the Hetmanate is considered a predecessor to modern Ukrainian statehood, symbolising the deep-seated tradition of resistance that has defined Ukraine throughout its history.
In the early 20th century, following the collapse of the Russian and Austro-Hungarian empires after World War I, Ukraine declared independence as the Ukrainian People’s Republic in 1917. Though short-lived, the republic marked a significant moment in Ukraine’s quest for sovereignty. The idea of an independent Ukraine continued to inspire future generations even after the republic was subsumed by Soviet rule.
Declaration of Independence in 1991
After decades of repression under Soviet rule, including the horrors of Stalin’s Holodomor, Ukrainians continued to resist and struggle for their freedom.
Dissident movements and uprisings, such as the Revolution on Granite in 1990, kept the flame of independence alive. The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 provided a historic opportunity, and on 24 August 1991, Ukraine declared its independence. This was confirmed in a nationwide referendum where over 90% of Ukrainians voted for sovereignty, including a majority in Crimea.
A Tale of Two Revolutions
The new Ukrainian state faced immediate challenges, both internal and external. Political corruption and economic hardship marred the early years of independence.
However, in 2004, the Orange Revolution showed that the Ukrainian people would stand up for democracy and transparency.
When the presidential election was rigged in favour of the pro-Russian candidate Viktor Yanukovych, mass protests erupted. The Ukrainian Supreme Court annulled the fraudulent election results, leading to the victory of Viktor Yushchenko, a pro-Western candidate who had campaigned for closer ties with the European Union.
A decade later, in 2013-2014, the Euromaidan protests once again demonstrated Ukraine’s determination to assert its independence. After Yanukovych, once more in power, abandoned an EU association agreement in favour of closer ties with Russia, Ukrainians took to the streets in a massive uprising known as the Revolution of Dignity. The protests ultimately led to Yanukovych fleeing the country and Ukraine reaffirming its course towards European integration.
Russian Annexation of Crimea and War in Donbas
Ukraine’s independence has been persistently challenged by its powerful neighbour, Russia. In 2014, after the Revolution of Dignity, Russia responded by annexing Crimea and fomenting war in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine. The war has since dragged on, resulting in thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions. Despite multiple attempts at peace agreements, the conflict remains unresolved, with Russian-backed separatists still holding parts of Donetsk and Luhansk.
Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion of 2022
The most significant test of Ukraine’s sovereignty came on 24 February 2022, when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russian forces advanced from multiple directions, targeting major cities including Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Mariupol. However, Ukraine’s military and civilian forces, bolstered by significant Western support, managed to repel the initial assault, showcasing the nation’s resilience on the battlefield.
The war has not only devastated Ukraine’s infrastructure but also revealed the depth of Ukrainian unity. Russia’s propaganda attempts to deny the existence of Ukraine as a nation have been decisively refuted by the bravery and determination of its people. Ukrainians, with their thousand-year history of statehood and resistance, have continued to fight for their freedom.
The Future of Ukraine
As Ukraine marks its 33rd Independence Day in 2024, it does so in the shadow of ongoing war. Yet, this day is also a celebration of the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people. From the ancient state of Kyivan Rus to the modern conflict with Russia, Ukraine’s history has been characterised by a persistent struggle for autonomy and self-determination.
Ukraine’s future remains uncertain, but its people have shown the world that they are not willing to be subjugated. With international support, Ukraine continues to defend its sovereignty and its right to exist as a free and independent nation.
This year’s Independence Day serves as a poignant reminder of Ukraine’s long history of resistance and resilience. The war with Russia is just the latest chapter in a story that stretches back centuries. The Ukrainian people, united in their pursuit of freedom and democracy, continue to write their history with courage, hope, and determination.
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