Constitution Author Proposes National Anthem Revision and Constitutional Recognition of the Trident Emblem

Mykhailo Kosiv's Proposals for Changes to Ukraine's National Anthem

According to Главком: Mykhailo Kosiv, a five-term member of parliament, is advocating for a revised version of Ukraine's national anthem and wants the trident to be formally recognized as the state coat of arms in the Constitution. In an interview with Glavcom, he argued that the current lyrics need updating, specifically calling the line 'Shche nam, brattia molodii...' (Still for us, young brothers...) absurd, questioning why it only addresses young people. He believes this fails to represent the diversity of Ukraine's population, and insists the anthem should be restored to a more authentic text that includes all citizens regardless of ethnicity.

Kosiv proposed that the new anthem should include the line: 'Shche nam, brattia ukraintsi, usmikhnet'sia dolia' (Still for us, Ukrainian brothers, fate will smile). He also pointed out that the term 'trident' does not appear in the Constitution, which he considers a flaw.

'In my view, there is no need to invent anything: the only symbol found on all documents since the time of Prince Volodymyr the Great is the trident. That is the state coat of arms of Ukraine. Period,' the deputy added.

Debate on State Symbols

Additionally, the draft law proposes replacing the phrase 'brattia molodii' with 'brattia ukraintsi'. Other lawmakers also involved in anthem-related matters include Liudmyla Buimister, who wants to alter the first two lines of the verse, as well as Ivan Yunakov and Heorhii Mazurashu, who aim to rewrite the entire anthem.

Regarding state symbols, Kosiv believes the Constitution should explicitly state that the trident is Ukraine's state coat of arms. Article 20 of the Fundamental Law describes the Great State Coat of Arms of Ukraine. The first reading of the bill on the Great State Coat of Arms took place on August 24, 2021.

It is worth noting that three decades ago, a debate occurred over the design of the national flag, when communist deputies attempted to add a red stripe. However, Ukraine's ambassador to the United Arab Emirates persuaded parliament to keep the blue-and-yellow flag, stating: 'I represent Ukraine in the Arab world. The blue-and-yellow flag hangs at my embassy. And everyone knows it is the flag of the Ukrainian state.'

On June 28, 2026, Ukraine will mark the 30th anniversary of the adoption of its Constitution, underscoring the significance of the ongoing discussions about national symbols.

Kosiv's proposals to amend the anthem's lyrics and clarify the trident's status as the national emblem reflect a broader conversation about Ukraine's national identity and symbolism. As the country faces external challenges, such initiatives could significantly shape patriotic sentiment among citizens. Importantly, these debates are taking place ahead of a major milestone in Ukraine's history, which may heighten public engagement with the topic of state symbols.

As discussions about Ukraine's national identity intensify, it's important to reflect on the historical significance of the country's Constitution, which celebrated its 30th anniversary on June 28. This milestone not only highlights the evolution of Ukraine's legal framework but also underscores the ongoing debates surrounding national symbols and their representation in the Constitution. For a deeper understanding of the implications of these changes, you can explore how the Constitution has shaped Ukraine's identity over the past three decades in our detailed article marking 30 years of the Constitution.