Ukrainian Independence refers to the establishment of Ukraine as a sovereign nation, which officially occurred on August 24, 1991. This date marks the moment when the Ukrainian parliament declared independence from the Soviet Union, following a failed coup attempt in Moscow. A nationwide referendum held on December 1, 1991, saw over 90% of voters supporting independence, solidifying Ukraine's status as an independent state. The path to independence was influenced by a long history of cultural and political struggles, including the Ukrainian People's Republic in 1917 and various movements throughout the 20th century. Since gaining independence, Ukraine has worked to establish its identity, governance, and international relations, particularly with the European Union and NATO.