Simone Lawson
The Constitution of Ukraine outlines the rights of the Ukrainian people, including the right to utilise the country's natural resources, freedom of political activity, and the protection of state borders. In 2019, allegations surfaced that US President Donald Trump pressured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate Joe Biden and his son, Hunter Biden, in exchange for military aid. This exchange, known as quid pro quo, sparked impeachment inquiries against Trump, with some arguing that soliciting a thing of value from a foreign leader in connection with a US election could be a federal crime.
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What You'll Learn
Trump's request to investigate Biden
In July 2019, President Donald Trump asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate Joe Biden, a 2020 presidential candidate, and his son, Hunter Biden. Trump urged Zelensky to work with his personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, to probe allegations that Joe Biden, as vice president, acted improperly to curb an investigation of a gas company for which Hunter Biden was a director. Trump's request was part of a U.S. intelligence community whistleblower complaint, which also alleged that Trump may have withheld military aid as leverage over Ukraine's president.
Trump's solicitation of a foreign leader to investigate a political rival sparked impeachment inquiries and debates about whether a quid pro quo arrangement was necessary for impeachment. Democrats argued that Trump's request constituted an impeachable offence, regardless of whether there was an explicit exchange involved. Legal experts weighed in, explaining that the "quid" or the request itself could be considered a federal crime and a violation of campaign finance laws, regardless of whether Ukraine followed through or if there was a "quo".
Trump's actions also raised concerns about his understanding of legal risks and his repeated attempts to seek foreign support for his election efforts. Special Counsel Robert Mueller had previously investigated Trump's campaign for possible illegal solicitation of contributions from Russian intelligence during the 2016 election, indicating a pattern of behaviour.
In June 2025, Trump ordered an investigation into former President Joe Biden and his aides, accusing them of concealing Biden's "serious cognitive decline" and abusing the power of presidential signatures. Trump directed his administration to investigate, alleging that Biden's aides used an autopen to sign official documents, including executive orders and memoranda, to conceal Biden's "incapacity." Trump's claims were dismissed by Biden and constitutional experts as unfounded and politically motivated.
Trump's investigation into Biden and his aides was seen as a continuation of his efforts to undermine the legitimacy of Biden's presidency and spread baseless claims of widespread fraud in the 2020 election. Trump called for the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate the election results, despite courts and cybersecurity experts finding no evidence of fraud.
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Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial indivisibility
Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity are key to Euro-Atlantic security. NATO has been very clear about its continued belief in a partnership with Russia, based on respect for international law and commitments. However, NATO will not compromise on the principles that underpin the security of Europe and North America.
Ukraine is a unitary state, and its sovereignty extends throughout its entire territory. The constitution of Ukraine states that the territory of Ukraine within its present border is indivisible and inviolable. The defence of Ukraine and the protection of its sovereignty, territorial indivisibility, and inviolability are entrusted to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The President of Ukraine is the guarantor of state sovereignty and territorial indivisibility, as well as the observance of the Constitution of Ukraine and human and citizens' rights and freedoms.
Ukraine's sovereignty and integrity are at the heart of the conflict with Russia. Russia's aggressive actions against Ukraine have seriously undermined Euro-Atlantic security. Russia illegally annexed Crimea, an integral part of Ukraine's territory, and this was the first time since World War II that a country in Europe tried to change borders by force. Russia also perpetuated the conflict in Donbas to destabilize Ukraine and undermine the government in Kyiv, as well as Ukraine's prospects of European and Euro-Atlantic integration.
The establishment and activity of political parties and public associations are prohibited if their goals or actions are aimed at the violation of the sovereignty and territorial indivisibility of the State, the undermining of its security, or the unlawful seizure of state power.
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Ukraine's natural resources
Ukraine is a country with a diverse and developed mineral resource base. It is estimated that Ukraine contains about 5% of the world's mineral resources while covering only 0.4% of the Earth's surface. Ukraine's mineral wealth is attributed to the peculiarities of its geology, which includes all three main components of the geostructural zones of the earth's crust: platform, folded structures, and transitional areas between them.
Ukraine has significant deposits of rare earth metals, including lithium, beryllium, and other critical minerals. These minerals are vital for modern technologies and industries such as defence, high-tech, aerospace, and green energy. Ukraine's natural gas reserves are estimated to be around 5.4 trillion cubic meters, with proven reserves of 1.1 trillion cubic meters, making it the second-largest in Europe as of 2021. The Dnipro-Donetsk basin, the Carpathian region, and the Black Sea and Crimea region are the three main hydrocarbon-producing areas in Ukraine.
Ukraine is also a major producer of neon, supplying 90% of the highly purified semiconductor-grade neon to the US chip sector. Additionally, Ukraine has the largest reserves of titanium in Europe, with 15 titanium deposits discovered in the country. Other important mineral deposits include nickel, cobalt, graphite, manganese, bromine, magnesium, pig iron, kaolin, zirconium, gallium, and more.
The development of Ukraine's mineral resources is challenging and expensive, but the country has been working to attract foreign investment to boost its mineral sector. The US, in particular, has shown interest in accessing Ukraine's mineral resources, with a deal providing the US access to Ukraine's minerals being finalised. The exploitation of petroleum and natural gas in Ukraine has also led to the creation of an extensive pipeline system, with pipelines transporting petroleum and natural gas across the country and to other parts of Europe.
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The Ukrainian language
The Ukrainian Constitution ensures that all citizens have the right to utilise the country's natural resources while also exercising responsible ownership. This includes the mineral wealth, atmosphere, water, and natural resources within Ukraine's territorial boundaries.
In conclusion, the Ukrainian language holds significant importance within the Constitution of Ukraine. It is not just a means of communication but also a vital component of Ukraine's cultural identity, historical consciousness, and social life. The Constitution ensures its development, use, and protection while also fostering linguistic diversity and freedom.
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Ukraine's military formations
The Ukrainian Ground Forces, the second-largest army in Europe at the time, inherited formations such as the 1st Guards Army, the 13th Army, two tank armies, and multiple rifle divisions. The Ukrainian military also began purchasing equipment from Russia, other CIS states, and local producers. In 1996, President Leonid Kuchma acknowledged the need for improvement, as many infantry and tank battalions were rated as not ready. Plans were implemented to reduce troop numbers and transition to a fully professional military.
Following the Russian invasion of Crimea and parts of Donbas in 2014, Ukraine's military underwent further transformations. The government authorized the formation of militias, which were funded by individuals, groups, and oligarchs. These militias, including far-right groups, fought alongside regular Ukrainian military units. The battle against Russian-backed separatists in the east proved challenging, with Ukrainian forces suffering defeats despite U.S. and NATO training assistance.
As of 2024, Ukraine's military has been significantly bolstered by over $120 billion in foreign military aid, allowing for the replacement of Soviet-era equipment with NATO-standard weaponry. Western donations include armoured vehicles, artillery systems, and light military vehicles. The Ukrainian military also captured Russian battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles. The transformation of Ukraine's military formations continues as they defend their nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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Frequently asked questions
'Quid pro quo' is a Latin term meaning 'something for something' or 'I will do something for you if you will do something for me in exchange'.
In 2019, a whistleblower alleged that US President Donald Trump abused his official powers by soliciting interference from Ukraine in the 2020 US election.
Trump asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate Joe Biden, a 2020 election contender, and his son, Hunter Biden.
It is unclear. Trump had ordered a hold on military aid to Ukraine before the call, but he claimed this was unrelated to the investigation request. However, some have argued that explicit terms are not necessary for a quid pro quo.
The alleged interference relates to the abuse of power by Trump, not the Constitution of Ukraine.
