UKRAINE. WHEN THE COUNTDOWN BEGAN (2011)

This documentary tells about the events at the end of the 20th century that led to the creation of a new political reality and the emergence of newly independent countries on the world map.

The authors focus on the events of three pivotal years—1989, 1990, 1991—leading up to Ukraine’s proclamation of independence on August 24, 1991.

Participants and witnesses of the events recall the never-before-told stories of how decisions were made and what position they defended, focusing on little-known details of negotiations.

Storytellers include President of Ukraine Leonid Kravchuk, first (and last) Secretary of State of the Russian Federation Gennady Burbulis, Speaker of the Parliament of Belarus Stanislav Shushkevich, U.S. Secretary of State James Baker, political scientist Zbigniew Brzezinski, Ukrainian human rights activists, philosophers, writers, and politicians. The film includes rare news footage of the events.