The declaration of independence by Ukraine on August 24, 1991, represents a pivotal moment in Eastern European history. Following the failed August coup attempt by hardline Communists in Moscow that aimed to restore central control over the Soviet Union, Ukraine seized the opportunity to assert its sovereignty. The Ukrainian parliament, known as the Verkhovna Rada, voted overwhelmingly in favor of a declaration that established Ukraine as an independent nation. The vote signified a drastic departure from decades of Soviet governance and alignments.

This independence was enthusiastically supported by the Ukrainian populace, who had been increasingly discontent with Soviet rule and the accompanying economic hardships. Following the declaration, a nationwide referendum was scheduled in December 1991, where over 90% of voters supported independence, further cementing Ukraine's status as a sovereign state. The move garnered international attention and was seen as a major step toward the dissolution of the Soviet Union, which officially collapsed later that year.

Ukraine's independence sparked a wave of similar declarations across the former Soviet republics, contributing to the fragmentation of the USSR and leading to new geopolitical realities in Eastern Europe. This event not only reshaped Ukraine's national identity but also had lasting implications for regional stability and international relations. It raised questions about borders, ethnic identities, and governance that persist to this day.