December 5, 1991
Ukraine held a referendum in which 90% of voters approved independence from the Soviet Union, leading to the formal dissolution of the USSR later that month.
Kyiv, Ukraine | Ukrainian Government
On December 1, 1991, Ukraine held a pivotal referendum in which approximately 90% of voters expressed their support for independence from the Soviet Union. This event was a significant milestone in the dissolution of the USSR, which formally occurred later that month.
The late 1980s and early 1990s were marked by significant political changes within the Soviet Union. Mikhail Gorbachev’s policies of glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring) aimed to revitalize the Soviet economy and society but also inadvertently loosened the central government’s control over the republics. Nationalist movements gained momentum across the USSR, with many republics seeking greater autonomy or outright independence.
In Ukraine, the push for independence was fueled by a combination of historical grievances, economic aspirations, and a strong sense of national identity. The Ukrainian parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, declared sovereignty in July 1990 and later declared independence on August 24, 1991, following the failed coup attempt against Gorbachev by hardline communists.
The referendum held on December 1, 1991, was a decisive moment for Ukraine. Voter turnout was high, with over 84% of eligible voters participating. The overwhelming support for independence—approximately 90%—demonstrated a clear mandate from the Ukrainian people to break away from Soviet rule.
The results of the referendum had immediate and far-reaching consequences:
International Recognition: Following the referendum, Ukraine quickly gained recognition from the international community. Countries around the world, including major powers, acknowledged Ukraine’s independence.
Dissolution of the USSR: The Ukrainian referendum was a critical factor in the dissolution of the Soviet Union. On December 8, 1991, leaders from Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus met in Belovezhskaya Pushcha and signed the Belovezh Accords, effectively declaring the Soviet Union dissolved. This led to the establishment of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
Formal Dissolution: On December 25, 1991, Gorbachev resigned as President of the Soviet Union, and the USSR was officially dissolved the following day, on December 26, 1991.
Ukraine’s move towards independence was part of a broader wave of independence movements across the former Soviet republics. It marked a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape of Eastern Europe and the world, leading to the emergence of new nation-states and the end of the Cold War era.
The referendum and subsequent independence of Ukraine also set the stage for the country’s ongoing journey towards establishing its identity, governance, and place in the international community. The events of December 1991 remain a defining moment in Ukraine’s history and continue to influence its political and cultural trajectory.
Source: www.britannica.com