20 November 1917 – Creation of the Central Rada

The Ukrainian Central Rada (UCR) was formed during the Russian Revolution. It became a key step toward Ukrainian statehood. Mykhailo Hrushevsky played a leading role in shaping national identity and democratic goals.

25 January 1918 – Independence of the UPR

The Ukrainian People’s Republic (UPR) declared independence. This was a turning point in resisting Russian and Central Powers’ influence. The UPR united different political groups, ethnicities, and faiths.

The first page of the Brest-Litovsk Treaty displayed in five languages: German, Hungarian, Bulgarian, Ottoman Turkish, and Russian.

22 February 1918 – Brest-Litovsk Peace Treaty

The treaty was signed between Soviet Russia and the Central Powers. The UPR was excluded from negotiations, losing recognition and parts of its territory, including Western Ukraine.

29 April 1918 – Adoption of the UPR Constitution

The first Constitution of the UPR established democratic principles, civil rights, independence, and territorial integrity. It became the legal foundation of the republic.

14 November 1918 – UPR Joins the Union of Nations

The UPR became a leading force in the Union of Nations, an alliance of states that emerged on former Russian lands. This strengthened anti-Bolshevik cooperation.

22 January 1919 – Creation of the Western Ukrainian People’s Republic (ZUNR)

The ZUNR was proclaimed in Western Ukraine. Soon after, it united with the UPR, symbolizing the aspiration for a single Ukrainian state.

The government of the Ukrainian People’s Republic in 1920. Symon Petliura is seated in the front row, second from the left.

25 June 1919 – Establishment of the Directorate

The Ukrainian Directorate took power, directing state administration, the economy, and military affairs. It aimed to stabilize the UPR and resist Russian and Polish threats.

1 December 1919 – UPR Joins the Anti-Bolshevik Bloc

The republic entered the Anti-Bolshevik Bloc of Nations, hoping to strengthen its chances of survival with foreign support.

25 February 1920 – Defeat at Poltava

The UPR army suffered a decisive defeat against the Red Army. This marked the effective end of the UPR as an independent state.

21 March 1921 – Treaty of Riga

The Treaty of Riga transferred Western Ukrainian lands, including ZUNR, to Poland. It was the final confirmation of Ukraine’s territorial loss and the collapse of the UPR.

Legacy of the UPR

The Ukrainian People’s Republic (1917–1921) laid the foundation of modern Ukrainian statehood. Despite defeat, it inspired future generations to continue the fight for independence.

The UPR proved that Ukrainians could form their own democratic state with a constitution, parliament, and civil rights. Its short existence left a powerful legacy that influenced Ukraine’s independence in 1991 and remains central to the nation’s historical memory today.