35 Years of Independence — 35 Ukrainian Achievements

On 24 August 2026, Ukraine marks 35 years since the restoration of its independence. During this period, Ukrainians have demonstrated the power of their intellect, culture, science, creativity, and resilience. These 35 achievements represent only a part of what Ukraine has created or shared with the world during its years of independence.

Defence technology is one of the fields in which Ukrainian developments now attract particular international attention. Sea Baby and MAGURA V5 naval drones have changed perceptions of what unmanned maritime systems can accomplish. Ukraine has also created the Neptune missile system and continues to develop the NATO-compatible Delta situational awareness system, FPV drones, aerial-target interceptors, and robotic ground-based demining systems.

Ukraine has made significant contributions to aviation and space research. The An-225 Mriia, the largest transport aircraft ever built, set approximately 240 aviation records. In 1997, Leonid Kadeniuk became the first astronaut of independent Ukraine when he flew aboard a NASA Space Shuttle. Ukrainian specialists have contributed to optical systems for space telescopes, while scientists continue their work at the Akademik Vernadsky Antarctic Station. Ukrainian-founded technology products such as Grammarly, MacPaw, and Petcube have also gained international recognition.

A younger generation continues to represent Ukraine in global science and technology competitions. Its achievements include Ihor Klymenko’s mine-detecting drone, awards won by Ukrainian students at ISEF and the Genius Olympiad, and projects designed to detect microplastics. In 2002, Ruslan Ponomariov became the youngest FIDE World Chess Champion at that time.

Ukrainian innovations are also helping people regain their health and independence. Esper Bionics’ bionic prostheses have been recognized by TIME. Ukrainian cardiac surgeon Illya Yemets pioneered complex heart operations on newborn babies. Ukrainian researchers are also working on 3D-printed implants, stem-cell technologies, phage therapy, and gel dressings for severe burns and wounds.

Ukraine’s sporting victories are known throughout the world. Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko and Oleksandr Usyk have earned places in boxing history. Andriy Shevchenko won the Ballon d’Or, while Yana Klochkova earned four Olympic gold medals in swimming. In 2024, Yaroslava Mahuchikh set a world high-jump record of 2.10 metres. Ukraine’s Paralympic athletes have also repeatedly ranked among the world’s leading teams.

Ukraine’s cultural achievements are equally significant. Mstyslav Chernov’s documentary 20 Days in Mariupol became the first Ukrainian film to win an Academy Award. The Center for Civil Liberties, headed by Oleksandra Matviichuk, received the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize. The culture of Ukrainian borshch cooking was inscribed on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. Books by Serhiy Zhadan, Oksana Zabuzhko, and Andriy Kurkov have been translated into many languages and read worldwide. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, UNESCO.

Ukraine has won the Eurovision Song Contest three times—with Ruslana, Jamala, and Kalush Orchestra. Ukrainian ballet continues to appear on leading international stages, while the opera IYOV received global recognition and was selected among the ten leading productions in the Music Theatre NOW competition.

Ukraine also makes an important contribution to global food security. It is one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of sunflower oil, grain, and honey. For many years, Ukrainian metallurgy has also played a significant role in international steel and pig-iron markets.

These 35 achievements span many different fields, but they share one foundation: the ability of Ukrainians to create, protect, explore, and move forward. Ukrainian independence is more than a historical date. It is the daily work of millions of people who are developing their country and, together with it, changing the world.