Ukraine's leading English-language newspaper since 1995

The referendum was announced on Aug. 24, 1991, along with the act of declaration of Ukraine's independence, and was approved by a parliament resolution on Oct. 11. Ukrainian President Victor Yushchenko has congratulated Ukrainian citizens on the 18th anniversary of a Ukrainian referendum of Dec. 1, 1991, which confirmed the declaration of Ukraine's independence.

"On this historical day, over 90% of participants in the vote supported the declaration of Ukraine's independence. We came forward as a united and strong nation that remembers its millennial historical tradition and is full of decisiveness to individually create its own life in a sovereign and democratic Ukrainian state," Yuschenko said in a speech to his compatriots on the occasion of the 18th anniversary of the Ukrainian referendum of Dec. 1, 1991.

"Since then, Ukraine has walked a long and difficult path of development and overcome a lot of difficulties. But nobody should have the slightest doubt that this was a path of real and true victories. We built a state, approved a real democracy, raised the economy, and conducted deep social reforms. The civil society is being formed and the Ukrainian political nation is uniting. The vitally important process of national revival and development of historical truth is going on. Ukraine has become a full and authoritative member of international life, and significant progress has been made in recent years in the country's European and Euro-Atlantic integration," the presidential press service quoted Yuschenko as saying on Tuesday.

He also wished good health, happiness, prosperity, inexhaustible energy, peace and concord to Ukrainians, and expressed confidence that a great future awaits the Ukrainian state.

The referendum in Ukraine was held simultaneously with the first election of the Ukrainian president on Dec. 1, 1991. Leonid Kravchuk received 61.59% of the vote and was elected the head of state.

The referendum was announced on Aug. 24, 1991, along with the act of declaration of Ukraine's independence, and was approved by a parliament resolution on Oct. 11. A question was submitted for the referendum - "Do you support the declaration of Ukraine's independence?"

A total of 31.892 million Ukrainians (84.18%) participated in the vote, and 90.32% of them supported the declaration of Ukraine's independence, confirming Ukraine's independence through a national vote.