Ukraine's thousand-year journey to freedom: Independence Day 2024

As Ukraine wages a war for its territorial integrity, this day serves both as a reminder of the struggles endured and as a testament to Ukrainians' determination to preserve their sovereignty.

Today, Ukrainians look back at the defining moments in their history that have shaped their identity as an independent state – from the ancient origins of Kievan Rus’ to the modern challenges posed by Russian aggression.

The road to independence

Ukraine's path to independence is by no means recent; it spans more than a thousand years of statehood, national identity and sustained resistance. Ukraine's independence is deeply rooted in the history of Kievan Rus', a powerful Slavic state founded in the late 9th century.

Kievan Rus laid the foundations for a distinct Ukrainian identity, with Kyiv as its cultural and political centre. This heritage is symbolised in the modern coat of arms of Ukraine, the Subscribe (trident), a symbol that dates back to the ruling Rurik dynasty of Kievan Rus.

After the decline of Kievan Rus State of Galicia-Volhyniaoften referred to as the Kingdom of Ruthenia, emerged as a major center of Ukrainian statehood in the 13th and 14th centuries. The kingdom protected Ukrainian land, language and culture and cemented a national identity even as neighboring powers attempted to subjugate it.

The next major chapter in Ukrainian state building was the rise of the Cossack Hetmanate Mid-17th century. Under the direction of Bohdan KhmelnytskyThe Cossack state was instrumental in preserving Ukrainian self-government and culture. Although the Hetmanate had limited autonomy, it is considered the forerunner of the modern Ukrainian state and symbolizes the deep-rooted tradition of resistance that has characterized Ukraine throughout its history.

In the early 20th century, after the collapse of the Russian and Austro-Hungarian empires after World War I, Ukraine declared its independence as Ukrainian People's Republic 1917. Although the republic was short-lived, it marked an important moment in Ukraine's quest for sovereignty. The idea of ​​an independent Ukraine continued to inspire future generations even after Soviet rule.

Declaration of Independence 1991

After decades of repression under Soviet rule, including the horrors of Stalin’s HolodomorThe Ukrainians continued their resistance and fought for their freedom.

Dissident movements and uprisings such as the Revolution on granite 1990 kept the flame of independence alive. The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 presented a historic opportunity and on August 24, 1991, Ukraine declared its independence. This was confirmed in a nationwide referendum in which over 90% of Ukrainians voted for sovereignty, including a majority in Crimea.

A tale of two revolutions

The new Ukrainian state faced immediate internal and external challenges. Political corruption and economic hardship marred the first years of independence.

But in 2004 Orange Revolution showed that the Ukrainian people stand for democracy and transparency.

When the presidential election was rigged in favor of pro-Russian candidate Viktor Yanukovych, mass protests broke out. Ukraine's 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, Euromaidan Protests again demonstrated Ukraine's determination to assert its independence. After Yanukovych, back in power, abandoned an association agreement with the EU in favor of closer ties with Russia, Ukrainians took to the streets in a massive uprising known as Revolution of DignityThe protests ultimately led to Yanukovych fleeing the country and Ukraine reaffirming its course toward European integration.

Russian annexation of Crimea and war in Donbass

Ukraine's independence was constantly challenged by its powerful neighbor Russia. In 2014, after the Revolution of Dignity, Russia responded by annexing Crimea and fuels the war in the Donbas Region in eastern Ukraine. The war has dragged on ever since, leaving thousands dead and millions displaced. Despite several attempts to reach peace agreements, the conflict remains unresolved. Russian-backed separatists still hold parts of Donetsk and Luhansk.

Russia's large-scale invasion in 2022

The most significant test of Ukraine’s sovereignty came on February 24, 2022when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russian forces advanced from several directions, targeting major cities such as Kyiv, Kharkiv and Mariupol. However, Ukraine's military and civilian forces managed to repel the initial attack, receiving significant Western support. This demonstrated the country's resilience on the battlefield.

The war has not only destroyed 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 courage and determination of the Ukrainian people. Ukrainians, who have a thousand-year history of statehood and resistance, continue to fight for their freedom.

The future of Ukraine

When Ukraine celebrates its 33rd Independence Day in 2024, it will do so in the shadow of an ongoing war. But this day is also a celebration of the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people. From the formation of the ancient state of Kievan Rus' to the modern conflict with Russia, Ukraine's history has been marked by a sustained struggle for autonomy and self-determination.

Ukraine's future remains uncertain, but its people have shown the world that they will not 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 is a poignant reminder of Ukraine's long history of resistance and resilience. The war with Russia is only the latest chapter in a story that stretches back centuries. The Ukrainian people, united in their quest for freedom and democracy, continue to write their history with courage, hope and determination.

Read also:

Made in Russia: Holodomor, the hidden genocide 1932-33

Main image; On Ukraine's Independence Day in 2024, President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska honored the memory of fallen Ukrainian heroes.

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