Without “Not Yet Died”: Ukraine proposes to change the words of the National Anthem

An electronic petition has been registered in Ukraine with a proposal to update the text of the National Anthem. The authors of the initiative want to keep the music by Mykhailo Verbytsky, but propose to completely rewrite the words.

The corresponding electronic petition has appeared on the website of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.

The initiators of the appeal suggest that the government develop and submit to the Verkhovna Rada a bill to update the text of the National Anthem.

The authors of the petition emphasize the historical significance of the current anthem, but believe that its text should be made more focused on the future, victory, peace and unity of Ukrainians.

In particular, instead of the well-known beginning “Ukraine has not yet died…”, a new version is proposed:

“Ukraine flourishes – both glory and will,
We live together our bright destiny…”

The chorus is also proposed to be changed. In the alternative version, it begins with the words:

“We awakened the soul and body, choosing freedom,
For through the ages we have been descendants of a glorious family.”

At the same time, the authors of the initiative do not propose to change the musical basis of the National Anthem – the melody by Mykhailo Verbytsky should remain valid.

As of 2:30 p.m. on September 21, the petition had collected over 1,500 signatures out of the 25,000 required for its further consideration.