Ukraine's Independence Day

After facing two World Wars and later lots of political turmoil, Ukraine got their independence from the Soviet Unions on the 24th of August, 1991. The Independence Day of Ukraine was a hard fought battle with the constitution being adopted nearly five years after its independence.

Hundreds of thousand Ukrainians organized a human chain for Ukrainian independence in memory of the 1919 unification of Ukrainian People's Republic and West Ukrainian National Republic on January 1990. The conservative Communist leaders of Soviet Union even attempted a coup to remove Gorbachev and to restore Communist party power in August 1991 but failed. In response to this the Ukrainian parliament adopted the Declaration of Independence of Ukraine in which the parliament declared Ukraine as an independent democratic state on 22nd August 1991.

Even though final independence for Ukraine was achieved in 1991 with the dissolution of the USSR, democracy remained intangible as the legacy of state control and endemic corruption stalled efforts at economic reform, privatization, and civil liberties.

Ukraine's Independence Day is a special day for all the citizens big and small. On this Independence Day of Ukraine adults don't go to their jobs, and children don't attend school. Different types of social activities are prepared by the Municipal where people enjoy to their fullest. - See more at: http://www.123independenceday.com/ukraine/#sthash.1tBQVgKr.dpuf 

Statement by the President on the 25th Anniversary of Ukrainian Independence

The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
August 24, 2016

Twenty-five years ago today, Ukraine declared its independence from the Soviet Union.  On behalf of the American people, I’m proud to join the Ukrainian people in marking this historic anniversary.  As we have been reminded in recent years, Ukraine’s path has not always been easy.  From the hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians who linked arms in a great human chain in 1990 to the fallen heroes of the Maidan, realizing the dream of independence has called on the solidarity and sacrifice of the Ukrainian people.  The people of the United States, including proud Ukrainian-Americans, have been honored to partner with Ukraine on this journey.  Today, we reaffirm that the United States will continue to stand with the Ukrainian people as they protect their sovereignty and territorial integrity, embrace the vision of a strong and united Europe, and deepen their commitment to democracy, anti-corruption, and respect for human rights.  I offer my best wishes to all the people of Ukraine.  On this occasion, we are reminded that even in the most difficult moments, the glory and freedom of Ukraine—and the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people—lives on.http://ukraine.usembassy.gov/statements/obama-08242016.html