On June 28, Ukraine celebrates an important date - Constitution Day.

This holiday is unique as it is enshrined in the Constitution itself, and for the fourth year in a row, it is celebrated under martial law due to the aggression from the Russian Federation, reports Ukrinform.

The Constitution was adopted by the Verkhovna Rada on June 28, 1996, at 9:18 after extensive work on the document.

The adoption of the Constitution laid the foundation for ensuring Ukraine's independence, its sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and was also a significant step in the protection of human rights and enhancing Ukraine's international status.

The constitutional process began after the Declaration of State Sovereignty was adopted on July 16, 1990. A Constitutional Commission was formed in October to work on the drafts of the Basic Law of Ukraine.

Intense debates arose regarding the distribution of power, language status, and state symbols. Leftist forces advocated for limiting presidential powers, whereas rightist factions sought to establish a strong presidential authority.

On the night of June 27 to 28, 1996, the Constitution received the support of two-thirds of the members of the Verkhovna Rada. The document enshrined strong presidential power, private property rights, new state symbols, and the status of the Ukrainian language.

Since its adoption, the Basic Law has undergone several changes, but the procedure for making amendments is quite stringent. Approval requires between 2/3 to 3/4 of the votes in the Verkhovna Rada, and amendments that threaten human rights or independence cannot be adopted.