Distance to Independence

On 24 August 1991, Ukraine declared its independence, yet no one recognised it. The United States opposed the move, Russia issued threats, and 70 per cent of Ukrainians had recently voted to preserve the USSR, while Soviet troops were stationed in Kyiv. Just 99 days stood between Ukraine and a scenario in which its independence would have ended before it had even begun. Those who prevented that outcome waged a struggle whose stakes remain vital today.