Celebrating Constitution Day in Ukraine: Historical Context and Modernity

On Saturday, June 28, Ukraine celebrates Constitution Day.

This holiday, enshrined in the Constitution itself, is marked for the fourth consecutive year under conditions of martial law due to the large-scale invasion by Russia, reports Ukrinform.

The Verkhovna Rada adopted and enacted the Constitution on June 28, 1996, at 9:18 a.m. after nearly a full day of continuous work.

The adoption of the Constitution solidified the legal foundations of an independent Ukraine, its sovereignty, and territorial integrity, marking a significant step in securing human and citizen rights and enhancing Ukraine's international standing.

The modern constitutional process began immediately after the adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Ukraine by the Supreme Council on July 16, 1990. A Constitutional Commission was established in October. Between 1991 and 1996, separate commissions created by the Supreme Rada and the President developed several drafts of the Constitution, which were discussed and amended over time.

The most contentious issues involved the distribution of power and property, state symbols, the status of the Russian language, and the status of Crimea. The left-leaning forces leaned towards reducing the role of presidential power, while the right advocated a strong presidential vertical and the supremacy of the Ukrainian language. Meanwhile, the 1978 Constitution of the Ukrainian SSR was still in effect with some amendments.

On the night of June 27-28, 1996, the Verkhovna Rada adopted the Constitution of Ukraine, receiving support from two-thirds of the parliamentary body (315 members). It established strong presidential power, guaranteed private property rights, approved new state symbols, designated Ukrainian as the sole state language, and recognized Crimea as an autonomous republic within Ukraine.

Since its adoption, the Basic Law of Ukraine has been amended several times. The 1996 Constitution provides for a quite strict procedure for changes and additions. Approval of amendments requires a vote of between 2/3 and 3/4 of the constitutional composition of the Verkhovna Rada. If changes abolish or limit the rights and freedoms of individuals or threaten the independence and territorial integrity of the state, the Constitution cannot be amended at all.