On December 1, 1991, a decisive event took place for the formation of Ukrainian statehood - an all-Ukrainian referendum to confirm the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine.
More than 84% of voters took part in the referendum, more than 92% voted for independence.
Ukraine, including population
Donetsk and Luhansk regions, where almost 84% of voters voted for independence, including Crimea, which was then a region with a predominant Russian-speaking population..
In Crimea, independence was supported by more than 54% of voters, and in Sevastopol - by more than 57%. And this is in a region where Russia has been intentionally Russifying the population for years, deporting Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars from there and settling Russians.
I would like to remind you that throughout history Russia has always tried to Russify Ukraine and destroy its identity, culture and people. But even despite this, despite repressions, famines and genocides, occupation, Ukrainians fought for their independence and freedom. And on December 1, 1991, all of Ukraine voted overwhelmingly for Independent Ukraine.
The historical significance of the all-Ukrainian referendum on December 1, 1991 is that it actually marked the end of the existence of the USSR.