August 24: 35 years since Ukraine restored its Independence.
We say "restored" because our statehood runs back a thousand years – the name "Ukraine" itself dates to 1187. 1991 wasn't a beginning, but the continuation of a centuries-long fight for freedom.
That fight didn't end in 1991. Since 2014, and especially since 2022, Ukrainians have had to defend that independence all over again and we keep proving we can.
Despite it all, and sometimes because of it, these 35 years gave us real wins to be proud of, in space, sports, culture, tech, and business. Here are a few of them.
1991. Independence is declared
On August 24, 1991, Ukraine's blue-and-yellow flag was raised over the Verkhovna Rada for the first time as parliament proclaimed the country's independence. It was the moment three centuries of striving for statehood finally became reality.
1994. Oksana Baiul wins Olympic gold
Oksana Baiul became the first Olympic champion representing independent Ukraine. Since then, generations of Ukrainian athletes have continued to make their mark on the world stage.
1995. Ukraine launches its own satellite
With the launch of Sich-1, Ukraine became one of the few countries in the world capable of designing, building, and launching its own satellite. It was a powerful signal that a young independent nation could hold its own in the space race.
1999. Sea Launch reaches space
Ukraine played a key role in the world's first-ever sea-based orbital rocket launch, using the Ukrainian-built Zenit-3SL rocket. Lifting off from a floating platform in the Pacific Ocean, it was one of the most ambitious international commercial space projects of its time and proof that Ukrainian rocket engineering could achieve what no one else had done before.
2002. Mriya takes its first commercial flight
The Antonov An-225 Mriya is the largest aircraft ever built – began commercial operations, carrying cargo no other plane in the world could handle. In 2022, russia destroyed the Mriya on the ground in Hostomel. But "Mriya" means "dream" in Ukrainian, and we believe that one day she will fly again over free Ukrainian skies.