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Ukraine political system underwent rapid change in the early 1990s after the Ukraine gained its independence from the collapsing Soviet Union in late 1991. During the Soviet period (1922-91), Ukraine had been governed by the Ukrainian Communist Party, which in turn was subordinated to the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.

After independence, however, Ukraine's rubber-stamp legislature, the Supreme Soviet, was converted to a functioning parliament called the Supreme Council. It is a 450-person, single-chamber legislature. Ukraine parliament members are chosen to four year terms in free, multicandidate elections. The chief executive of Ukraine is the president, who is also chosen in free elections.

Ukraine president (2008) - Viktor Yushenko

The president of Ukraine has strong executive powers. He can issue decrees and can appoint presidential representatives to oversee policy implementation by local authorities. The day-to-day administration of the government rests in the hands of the prime minister, who heads the Council of Ministers (cabinet) .

Ukraine prime minister (2008) - Julia Tymoshenko

Ukraine comprises 24 regions called oblasts. In addition, the Crimea enjoys a special status as a republic within Ukraine, which grants it a significant amount of economic autonomy. Control of the Crimea is at the center of a political dispute between Ukraine and Russia.

The range of Ukraine political parties reflects European traditions. They include the Green party, Republican party, Democratic party, Peasant-Democratic party, Christian-Democratic party, and Socialist party. These parties tend to have small memberships, numbering only several thousand each, which demonstrates the legacy of antiparty feeling following decades of Communist party rule.

Ukraine parliament - Rada

Since 1989 a broad political movement called Rukh has played a significant role in Ukrainian political life. Rukh unites various political parties and groups that have favored democracy and national independence. During 1992, divisions within Rukh emerged over the organizations future role. One faction wanted Rukh to work with Pres.

Leonid Kravchuk and to remain a multiparty movement, while another emphasized being a constructive opposition force and possibly favored the transformation of Rukh into an opposition party. Finally, strike committees, particularly among the Donbas coal miners, were also an interest group with some degree of political leverage.

During 1992 Ukraine began establishing its own armed forces, which include an army, navy, and air force. The troops and equipment for the Ukrainian armed forces are those from the former Soviet military stationed in Ukraine.

The disposition of the Black Sea fleet has caused some disagreement between Ukraine and Russia. In terms of nuclear weapons, in 1992 Ukraine transferred its tactical nuclear weapons to Russia, where they are to be destroyed.

Black Sea fleet ship