Independence Of Belarus Became Law On August 25

The Belarusians' dream came true 31 years ago.

On August 25, 1991, the Supreme Soviet of the BSSR made the Declaration on the State Sovereignty of Belarus a constitutional law.

Thus, it declared the supremacy of the Belarusian Constitution and laws over the so-called "union laws".

The voting took place at the session, which was convened immediately after the defeat of the August putsch in Moscow. Under the pressure of the BPF deputy opposition, headed by Zenon Pazniak, the majority of the Supreme Soviet deputies voted for the de jure independence of Belarus. Belarus de facto gained its independence in December 1991, after signing the Belovezha Accords. It resulted in the collapse of the Soviet Union.

August 25 is not celebrated officially in Belarus. However, Ukraine celebrates it (the Declaration acquired the status of constitutional law) as Independence Day.