Abstract
An essay on more than thirty years of Ukrainian independence, since its declaration in 1991. A comprehensive view linking history, politics, society, economy, technology, military and culture.
The text critically highlights the consequences of corruption and deindustrialization of the Ukrainian economy. On the other hand, it highlights the role of civil society, which is able to substitute in many ways for the poorly functioning state, including the country's military defence.
And it points out that the growing Russian pressure, which resulted in open aggression in February 2022, is unintentionally contributing to the strengthening of Ukrainian national consciousness and identity.