Ukraine’s 33th Independence Day

? Oles Dmytrenko, 24 August, 2024

“The '33rd anniversary of Ukraine's independence' (from the USSR) we are celebrating today is not about the 'birth' of our nation or a country. We celebrate the renewal of our independence.”

A “young nation” and a “young country”?

One of the common misconceptions about Ukraine, especially in the West, is that it’s a “young nation.” This couldn’t be further from the truth. Herodotus described our ancestors as the "children of Borysthenes" (the Greek name to our Dnipro River) in his Histories in the 5th century BCE.

Besides, Ukraine's capital city Kyiv is more than 1,500 years old. You are welcome to visit and experience its amazing vibe, a combination of ancient Slavic culture, a modern high-tech metropolis, and picturesque views over the Dnipro River.

Established around 482 CE (5th century), Kyiv is approximately 665 years older than Moscow (founded in 1147 CE), 755 years older than Berlin (founded in 1237 CE), 818 years older than Warsaw (established around 1300 CE), 1,183 years older than New York City (founded in 1624 CE), and 1,309 years older than Washington, D.C. (founded in 1791 CE).

Considering this, does the notion of a 'young nation' regarding Ukrainians still make any sense to you?

Another misunderstanding is the popular belief that we are a 'young democracy.' In fact, in 1710, Pylyp Orlyk crafted the first Ukrainian Constitution (Pacta et Constitutiones Legum Libertatumque Exercitus Zaporoviensis), one of the world’s earliest constitutions. To compare, the Declaration of Independence of the United States, for example, took place on July 4, 1776 — 66 years later.

The idea that Ukraine is "just 33 years old" may come from a lack of knowledge about this country and its role in the region, or even be fueled by Russian propaganda.

For example, some school textbooks on history in the U.S. (or other countries) still have entire chapters called 'Early Russia' that, in fact, describe the history of Ukraine during our flourishing period known as 'Kyivan Rus.' However, Moscow didn’t even exist at time, and the name 'Russia' emerged 500 years later, in the 16th century when the “Grand Duchy of Moscow” was renamed into "Russia" (by taking the root 'Rus' from our ancient state and adding a Bysantium "ia" ending to it).

Independence anniversary or renewal?

Celebrating the “33rd anniversary of Ukraine's independence” (from the USSR), I want to point out that is not about the “birth” our nation or a country.

We rather celebrate the renewal of our independence cherished throughout history, regardless of the form of state governance we have built or been part of.

Various forms of state governance in Ukraine

Ukrainians have experienced various forms of state governance throughout their history.

One of its earlier forms, for example, was Kyivan Rus' (882–1240), which served as the cradle of Eastern Slavic civilization during the 9th to 13th centuries.

Following this, the Kingdom of Galicia–Volhynia (1199–1349) emerged in the 12th century as a medieval state recognized by the papacy.

In the 17th century, Ukrainians established the Cossack Hetmanate (1648–1764) after the Khmelnytsky Uprising, symbolizing a significant period of self-governance.

The early 20th century saw the brief but crucial emergence of the Ukrainian People's Republic (1917–1921), during Ukraine’s fight for independence.

Finally, Ukraine became part of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic (1919–1991), a period of enforced union within the Soviet Union (from which modern Ukraine declared its independence in 1991.)

Conclusion

As we celebrate Ukraine's 33rd Independence Day, let us recognize that this isn’t just about the end of Soviet rule in our country. It’s about renewing a deep-seated independence that has run through our veins for centuries. From Kyivan Rus' to the Cossack Hetmanate, and through various forms of governance, Ukrainians have always valued self-rule.

This day also reminds us that Ukraine is not a "young nation." Our history, culture, and resilience span centuries. Today, we look ahead to a future grounded in the values of freedom, dignity, and the responsibility to build a better life in Ukraine and beyond.

? Oles Dmytrenko, 24 August, 2024

#Ukrainian33thIndependenceDay #Ukrainine's33thIndependenceDay