Drama, determination, and risk: Remembering how Ukraine's independence unfolded
Editor's note: Because both authors were direct participants in the events described, they are referred to by their first names — Nadia and Robert — throughout, to distinguish their individual roles and recollections. Neither the United States nor any other country recognized Ukrainian independence when, on Aug. 24, 1991, the Verkhovna Rada adopted its Act of the Declaration of the Independence…
On August 24, 1991, Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada adopted the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine, without recognition from the United States or any other country. The Rada's decision was based on a shared understanding between the Ukrainian democratic movement (Rukh) and the majority of Communist members in the Rada. Rukh sought political legitimacy, while the Communists aimed to avoid repercussions if political situations in Moscow changed.
A presidential election was set for December 1, 1991, and the two votes were combined into one. Prior to the referendum on November 27, 1991, U.S. President George H. W. Bush met with Ukrainian American leaders and churches, expressing conditions he required before acknowledging Ukraine's independence. These conditions included adherence to the Helsinki Final Act, non-nuclear status, commitment to nuclear nonproliferation, and compliance with the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty.
Robert McConnell, a participant in the meeting, was surprised by the President's conditions, as he had been certain of Ukraine's overwhelming vote for independence. Nadia, another participant, had been in Ukraine during key events like the Human Chain and the first Verkhovna Rada elections, witnessing the movement's determination and resilience.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Independent's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
