UCCA Statement on the 20th Anniversary of Ukraine’s Restored Independence
03 August 2011
On August 24th the worldwide Ukrainian community will be marking a major milestone in Ukraine’s history - the 20th anniversary of Ukraine’s restored independence. On this day in 1991, the Parliament of Ukraine overwhelmingly approved the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine, freeing the nation from the clutches of the Soviet Empire.
Two decades ago, the fervor for Ukraine’s liberation struggle was realized; a zeal paralleled by the faith of all freedom-loving people enslaved under the yoke of communism, who hoped to live free from foreign domination and establish a way of life in accordance with their own unique culture and traditions. These basic human impulses were realized after centuries of struggle, and the loss of millions of lives in the 20th century alone, as a result of atrocities perpetrated on the Ukrainian people by the Soviets. Following countless political and cultural repressions, forced labor, Gulags and massacres, as well as such egregious crimes as the Holodomor of 1932-33, Ukraine formally declared itself an independent, sovereign and democratic state. This brave step by Ukraine’s Parliament was then upheld by over 90% of Ukraine’s citizens in a nationwide referendum in December of that same year.
Over the past 20 years the Ukrainian nation has achieved many successes – the establishment of a vibrant civil society, membership in the World Trade Organization, a strategic partnership with the United States, peacekeeping forces in many of the conflict zones throughout the world and an overall strengthening of Ukraine’s unique national identity. Furthermore, Ukraine has experienced a cultural and political revival, as once again the people are free to speak their own language, celebrate their unique history and heritage, and freely express their voice in the political processes of the nation.
Yet as we distinctly understood in 1991, and still appreciate today, the road to democracy is not an easy one, especially when contending with the oppressive legacies of Czarist Russia as well as the Soviet Regime; legacies which have left an indelible mark on the Ukrainian nation. As in the past, the familiar bullying tactics of the Russian Federation continue to threaten the territorial integrity of Ukraine. Russia has made claims to Crimea by negotiating an extension of the lease for their Black Sea fleet stationed in the region, which is in direct violation of Ukraine’s Constitution. It has also taken steps to solidify Ukraine’s energy dependency on Russia, and has vehemently opposed Ukraine’s ambitions to join the EuroAtlantic community, particularly the European Union (EU) and NATO.
At the same time, we must not overlook the current backsliding of democratic principles in Ukraine. Over the last several months, political opponents have been intimidated and/or arrested, numerous journalists have been harassed, civil liberties have been quelled and Ukraine’s national identity has been threatened. Yet thankfully, pro-democratic forces in Ukraine have remained vigilant in the struggle to build a democratic nation, secure Ukraine’s freedoms and defend civil right and liberties.
The Ukrainian American community must also remain vigilant and continue to aid in the effort to secure and strengthen a true democratic and independent Ukrainian state. It is important for us all, on this 20th Anniversary, to reaffirm our strong faith in and commitment to Ukraine’s independence. Achievement of this goal is fundamental for Ukrainians everywhere.
On the occasion of the 20th Anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America sends its warmest greetings to all Ukrainians, both in Ukraine and beyond its borders. May the Lord bless the Ukrainian nation and grant it the wisdom and fortitude to secure an independent, democratic Ukraine that can take its rightful place among the nations of the free world.
Glory to Ukraine!
