Adopted After a 24-Hour Session: Ukraine's Constitution Passed on June 28, 1996.

Ukraine's Constitution Becomes Law

According to Espreso.tv: On June 28, 1996, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine approved the country's Constitution following a nearly 24-hour marathon session marked by political tensions. This milestone came after Ukraine had operated under the 1978 Ukrainian SSR Constitution for almost five years. The legislative process began the day before, on June 27, with deliberations stretching through the night into June 28.

Historical Background

It is worth noting that the first Constitutional Commission was established under the leadership of Leonid Kravchuk and Ivan Plyushch. However, in 1994, a new Constitutional Commission was formed, chaired by Leonid Kuchma and Oleksandr Moroz, which continued drafting the fundamental law. In June 1995, a Constitutional Agreement was signed between the president and parliament, laying the groundwork for adopting a new constitution.

Just two days before the vote, on June 26, 1996, the President announced a referendum on the document scheduled for September 25, highlighting the intense public debate surrounding constitutional reform. Ultimately, on June 28, 1996, the Verkhovna Rada adopted Ukraine's Constitution with 315 votes in favor.

Oleksandr Moroz, head of the Constitutional Commission, remarked: 'I proposed that parliament work without interruption.'

This decision not only established the legal framework for Ukraine but also marked a crucial step in building an independent state.

Beyond its legal significance, the Constitution's adoption served as a symbolic act for a nation seeking to solidify its independence and sovereignty after the Soviet Union's collapse. The document defined the foundations of governance, citizens' rights and freedoms, and the system of state authorities, helping to stabilize the country's political landscape.

Ukraine commemorates this date annually with Constitution Day, underscoring the document's enduring importance in the nation's history.