On June 28 of this year, Ukraine will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its Constitution, the country’s primary legal document. Ukrainian constitutionalism has deep historical roots and continuity, as well as its own distinctive features. It has evolved over the centuries in accordance with the national character of Ukrainians, their way of life, values, and social relations.
After Ukraine regained its independence in 1991, the adoption of the Constitution became a crucial stage in nation-building. Work on the new Constitution lasted several years. It was preceded by the adoption of the Declaration on the State Sovereignty of Ukraine on July 16, 1990, and the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine on August 24, 1991. In 1992, the draft Constitution was submitted for public discussion, and the document was finally adopted after lengthy political debates.
On the night of June 27–28, 1996, the Verkhovna Rada worked continuously for nearly a full day. After more than 23 hours of debate and voting, at 9:18 a.m. on June 28, the Constitution of Ukraine was adopted by 315 votes of the people’s deputies. This event went down in history as “Constitutional Night.”
The Constitution of Ukraine enshrined the fundamental principles of the state system: the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, the principle of popular sovereignty, the separation of state power into legislative, executive, and judicial branches, the rule of law, local self-government, and guarantees of human rights and freedoms.
The most important principle of our Constitution is the recognition of the human person—their life, health, honor, and dignity—as the highest social value. Ukraine’s Basic Law proclaims the protection of human rights as the highest value; all citizens are equal before the law, regardless of origin, property status, or beliefs. Knowing their constitutional rights makes citizens aware and capable of actively participating in the development of the state and their communities. Legal awareness is a hallmark of a mature civil society.
A strong state is built not only on the rights but also on the duties of every citizen. Everyone’s responsibility is important. The conscientious fulfillment of constitutional duties creates the conditions for the successful development of a state governed by the rule of law and a healthy society. This is particularly relevant in times like these, when there is a need to defend our state and its constitution. We stand against an unprincipled and ruthless aggressor who flouts all norms of law and morality, including the international treaties it has signed and its own laws.
The Constitution of Ukraine reflects our rich history, deep historical roots, the continuity of ideas and values, and the European orientation of Ukrainian constitutionalism. This document is the fundamental law and moral compass for the citizens of Ukraine; it legally enshrines the Ukrainian people’s civilizational choice, which has remained unchanged for centuries. It continues the centuries-old Ukrainian constitutional tradition, whose origins date back to the “Ruska Pravda,” the Constitution of Pylyp Orlyk of 1710, and the Constitution of the Ukrainian People’s Republic of 1918.
Three decades later, we can affirm that the Constitution has become a symbol of indomitable spirit. Let us remember that today, Ukrainian defenders are defending every line of the Basic Law regarding sovereignty and the inviolability of borders with weapons in hand. Ukraine’s defense forces are today the primary guarantor of compliance with Article 1: Ukraine is a sovereign and independent state.