But if we look deeper - how old is Ukraine as an independent state? - there is no definitive answer without historical context.

Modern Ukraine has existed as an independent state since August 24, 1991. On that day, the Verkhovna Rada adopted the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine. On December 1, 1991, the Ukrainian people confirmed independence in a nationwide referendum.

However, this was not the first attempt by Ukrainians to create an independent state.

On January 22, 1918, the independence of the Ukrainian People's Republic was proclaimed. Therefore, if we consider the preceding period of Ukrainian independence in the 20th century, Ukrainian independence began not 35, but over 100 years ago.

Moreover, between the Ukrainian People's Republic and modern Ukraine, there was a long period when there was no independent Ukrainian state. Ukraine was part of the USSR, and Ukrainian lands were under the rule of other states at various points in history.

Therefore, to say that Ukraine, as a continuously existing independent state, is, for example, 100 or 1,000 years old would be historically incorrect. Modern independent Ukraine has existed for 35 years.

But to say that Ukrainian statehood only began in 1991 is also incorrect.

The history of Ukrainian statehood is much older: from Kyivan Rus' and the Galicia-Volyn State to the Hetmanate, the Ukrainian People's Republic, and other attempts to create a separate Ukrainian state.

Therefore, the most accurate answer is:

Modern Ukraine as an independent state is 35 years old.
Modern Ukrainian independence was first proclaimed in 1918 - more than 100 years ago.
And the history of Ukrainian statehood spans many centuries.

That's why August 24th isn't the birthday of Ukraine as a nation or a state. It's the Day of Restoration of Ukraine's Independence.