Constitution Day in Ukraine: how the country established the rule of law and which points were hotly debated right up to the last minute

The 1996 Constitution of Ukraine became the heart of a new democratic state — a form and spirit that embody the pursuit of justice and equality. Put aside your newspapers and analyses, and remember the historical path — from Orlyk through the ‘night of the Constitution’ to today's stability. Learn about the path of the fundamental law of Ukrainian statehood

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28 June is not just a date on the Ukrainian calendar. It is Constitution Day, a holiday symbolising the beginning of a new era — independence, democracy, the rule of law and civil liberties. We tell you about the path that was taken to finally adopt the country's fundamental law.

How did the Constitution of Ukraine come about?

The path to the Constitution of Ukraine began long before 1996 — first with the Declaration of State Sovereignty of 16 July 1990, then with many years of work by a commission formed under Leonid Kuchma within hours of his presidential inauguration in 1994. The texts were reformed through dozens of drafts: discussions about the distribution of powers, the status of the Russian language and the fate of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea caused particular political tension.

‘Constitutional night’ as a historic turning point

On the night of 27 to 28 June 1996, members of the Verkhovna Rada held a continuous session that lasted more than 24 hours, remaining in the chamber to ensure a quorum and finish work on the text. At 9:00–9:20 a.m., 315 MPs voted in favour of the document — exactly 15 more than the minimum required. This moment went down in history as a symbol of determination and the desire to establish the rule of law in the country.

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Structure and key rights

The adopted 1996 Constitution consists of 14 chapters (previously 15 before the 2016 reform of the prosecutor's office). The document enshrines the principles of neutrality of power, guarantees the rights to freedom of speech, property and religion, establishes Ukrainian as the sole official language, and establishes the system of the presidency, parliament, cabinet of ministers and courts. The right to amend the Basic Law is strictly protected — it requires the support of at least two-thirds of the members of parliament and, under certain conditions, a national referendum.

Continuity: from Orlyk to the present day

Pylyp Orlyk's 1710 Constitution, which establishes the separation of powers and the foundations of democracy, is considered one of the prototypes of modern Ukrainian legal traditions. Although almost three centuries have passed between them, both constitutions seek to enshrine freedom, justice and order.

In 2021, Ukrainians were able to see Orlyk's Constitution with their own eyes — it arrived in the country for the first time in 311 years since its creation.

This document is considered one of the first constitutions in Europe. It effectively proclaimed an independent republic in Ukraine under the protectorate of the Swedish king instead of allegiance to the tsar. Although Pylyp Orlyk's Constitution never came into force, as it was drafted in a foreign country and its creators were unable to return to their homeland, it remained in history as an original legal monument, which for the first time in Europe justified the possibility of a parliamentary democratic republic.

Constitution Day is the only public holiday enshrined in the Basic Law (Article 161). Although it was a public holiday in peacetime, during martial law the celebration remains largely symbolic, with no additional days off. However, state bodies, public initiatives and people across the country turn to the ideas of democracy, the rule of law and the protection of rights on this day, which are particularly relevant in the current circumstances.

In 2025, Ukraine will celebrate the 29th anniversary of its Basic Law. During the war, the Constitution has taken on a new, deeper meaning: the protection of sovereignty is not just a legal norm, but a vital mechanism that preserves freedom, human dignity and the European course.

Reminder! Travelling to Ukraine in 2025 can be an unforgettable experience — provided you avoid the common mistakes made by many foreigners. Find out how to prepare for your trip in advance, what not to do in Ukraine and what services will help you make your trip comfortable and safe.

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