A beginning

We begin at a beginning — with an image of Ukraine’s independence referendum ballot.

Citing the Ukrainian declaration of independence, the ballot text reads in part: ‘Act of the Declaration of the Independence of Ukraine. In view of the mortal danger surrounding Ukraine in connection with the state coup in the USSR on 19 August 1991, and implementing the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Ukraine, the Verkhovna Rada of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic solemnly declares the independence of Ukraine and the creation of an independent Ukrainian state: Ukraine. This act takes effect at the moment of its approval.’