The State Coat of Arms of Ukraine is one of the state symbols of Ukraine along with the Constitution, Anthem and Flag.
It was on February 19, 1992 that the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine approved the Trident as the Small Coat of Arms of Ukraine, defining it as the main element of the large State Coat of Arms of Ukraine. He became the golden Trident on a blue shield – the national symbol of Ukrainians during the liberation struggle of the 20th century.
“Today, the entire large Ukrainian family celebrates the Day of the State Coat of Arms. The Verkhovna Rada approved the golden trident on a blue shield as the Small Coat of Arms of Ukraine exactly 31 years ago. The trident conveys a thousand-year connection between generations of Ukrainians. No one has managed to erase, destroy, ban it and never will! Our ancestors preserved and reproduced it at the cost of their lives. It has reached our times and is now increasing its strength in the fight so that no other occupier dares to come to our land. Let’s keep in line! Let’s take care of what unites and strengthens us. We will win!” – the head of Lviv OVA Maksym Kozytskyi.
In the 20th century, the Trident became a symbol of the struggle of Ukrainians for independence. The Soviet totalitarian system branded it as a “nationalist sign”. The use of the Trident was prohibited in the USSR, the “culprits” were severely punished.
After regaining independence in 1991, Ukraine chose the Trident as its State Emblem.