Celebrating 35 years of Ukrainian independence

 

Ukraine gained its modern independence on 24 August1991, when the country's parliament adopted the Declaration of Independence of Ukraine, as the Soviet Union began to dissolve. On 1 December 1991 over 90% of Ukrainian voters approved the independence declaration in a national referendum. On 26 December 1991, the Soviet Union officially dissolved itself, and the global community of nations recognized Ukraine as a free country.

"Slava Ukraini!" (Слава Україні!) is a Ukrainian national salute meaning "Glory to Ukraine!". It serves as a symbol of Ukrainian sovereignty, resistance, and national pride, and is the official military salute of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The customary response to "Slava Ukraini!" is "Heroiam slava!" (Героям слава!), which means "To the heroes — glory!"