10 Most Influential Ukrainian Lawyers and Scholars

Published in

Heritage Digest

12 min readJan 30, 2024

Ukraine has been home to many remarkable legal minds who have significantly influenced both their nation’s history and the field of law. This article highlights the ten most influential Ukrainian lawyers whose contributions to legal practice and jurisprudence have left an indelible mark on history.

Mykola Kostomarov (1817–1885)
Volodymyr Vynnychenko (1880–1951)
Ivan Franko (1856–1916)
Levko Lukianenko (1928–2018)
Serhiy Holovaty (1952-present)
Mykola Skrypnyk (1872–1933)
Yevhen Petrushevych (1863–1940)
Viacheslav Chornovil (1937–1999)
Hryhorii Skovoroda (1722–1794)
Mykhailo Hrushevsky (1866–1934)

1. Mykola Kostomarov (1817–1885)

Mykola Ivanovych Kostomarov, born on May 16, 1817, in Yurasovka, Voronezh Governorate, Russian Empire, was a prominent Russo-Ukrainian historian. His upbringing was marred by tragedy with the early loss of his father, Ivan Petrovich Kostomarov, a Russian landlord when Mykola was just 11. His mother, Tatiana Petrovna Melnikova, was a Ukrainian peasant. This mixed heritage and challenging childhood influenced his future academic interests and viewpoints.

Kostomarov’s academic career began at the Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum and continued at the Moscow Imperial University. His focus on East Slavic folklore and history led to a distinguished career as a professor of Russian history at St. Vladimir University of Kyiv and later at St. Petersburg University. His significant works include biographies of Bohdan Khmelnytsky and Stepan Razin and his three-volume “Russian History in Biographies of its main figures.” His approach to history, utilizing folklore and ethnography, was innovative for his time.

As a political and cultural figure, Kostomarov was deeply involved in the Ukrainian national revival movement, particularly as a member of the Brotherhood of Saints Cyril and Methodius. His contributions to understanding Russian and Ukrainian national character and history were significant. His analysis of the psychological diversity of the Russian Empire’s people impacted the research of collective psychology in Eastern Europe. Kostomarov’s death on April 19, 1885, in Saint Petersburg marked the end of a career that significantly contributed to the historical and cultural understanding of the Russian Empire.

2. Volodymyr Vynnychenko (1880–1951)

Volodymyr Vynnychenko, born on July 28, 1880, in the Kherson Governorate of the Russian Empire, grew up in a peasant family. His father was a peasant serf turned city resident, while his mother, Yevdokia, was a widow with three children from her previous marriage. Volodymyr was the only child from his parents’ union. He showed early academic promise, attending Yelyzavetgrad Male Gymnasium, despite financial challenges and revolutionary activities that led to his incarceration and expulsion. Nevertheless, he completed his high school education, demonstrating resilience and determination.

Vynnychenko’s higher education began in law at Kyiv University, but his involvement in revolutionary activities led to his expulsion in 1902 or 1903. His political activism with the Revolutionary Ukrainian Party (RUP) saw him agitating among workers and peasants and facing multiple arrests. His writing career also began during this period, with his first novel published in 1902. Despite his legal studies being cut short, Vynnychenko’s engagement in political activism and writing showcased his intellectual and legal acumen, laying the groundwork for future leadership roles.

Vynnychenko’s most notable achievement was his role in Ukrainian politics, particularly as the first prime minister of the Ukrainian People’s Republic. His leadership during the tumultuous period following the Russian Revolution was marked by attempts to negotiate autonomy within a democratic Russia and later full independence. Although his tenure was fraught with challenges and controversies, including his opposition to forming a Ukrainian army, his contribution to the Ukrainian national movement was significant. Vynnychenko died in exile in France on March 6, 1951, leaving behind a complex legacy as a statesman and a writer.

3. Ivan Franko (1856–1916)

Ivan Yakovych Franko, born on August 27, 1856, in Nahuievychi, then part of the Austrian Crosland of Galicia, was a Ukrainian poet, writer, social and literary critic, journalist, interpreter, economist, political activist, ethnographer, and author. His family’s relatively well-to-do status shaped his upbringing despite losing his father early. His mother, Maria, came from a family of petty nobility, the Kulczyckis, which influenced Franko’s cultural and intellectual development.

Franko’s education began in Yasenytsia Sylna village and continued at the Basilian monastic school in Drohobych. Despite losing both parents, he persevered in his studies, graduating from the Drohobych Realschule and attending Lviv University. He studied classical philosophy, Ukrainian language, and literature here, beginning his literary career with poetry and novels. His association with Mykhailo Drahomanov at the university significantly influenced his political and literary direction.

Franko’s achievements extend beyond literature to significant political and social activism. He founded the socialist and nationalist movement in western Ukraine, playing a key role in cultural and political thought. Despite multiple arrests for his radical views, he continued to advocate for socialism and Ukrainian nationalism. His literary contributions included translating works of renowned authors into Ukrainian and his prolific writing, which profoundly impacted Ukrainian culture and politics. Franko died on May 28, 1916, leaving a legacy as a pivotal figure in Ukrainian history.

4. Levko Lukianenko (1928–2018)

Levko Hryhorovych Lukianenko, born on August 24, 1928, in the Khrypivka village of Horodnia Raion, was a prominent Ukrainian politician, Soviet dissident, and Hero of Ukraine. As a child, he experienced the hardships of World War II, being conscripted into the Soviet Red Army at the age of 15. His early experiences, particularly during the Holodomor, profoundly influenced his path towards seeking Ukrainian independence.

Lukianenko pursued higher education at Moscow State University, enrolled in the Law Department in 1953, and joined the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. His time at the university was marked by a growing disillusionment with the Soviet system, leading to his eventual expulsion from the party. After graduating in 1958, he worked as a propagandist in the Radekhiv Raion Communist Party committee, a role that didn’t align with his growing nationalist sentiments.

His most significant contribution was as a dissident and advocate for Ukrainian sovereignty. He founded the Ukrainian Helsinki Group in 1976, campaigning for human rights and independence. Lukianenko’s efforts culminated in the authorship of the Declaration of Independence of Ukraine in 1991. His political career included service as a member of the Verkhovna Rada and as Ukraine’s first ambassador to Canada. Despite controversies later in life, Lukianenko’s legacy remains pivotal in Ukraine’s journey to independence. He passed away on July 7, 2018, leaving behind a significant mark in Ukrainian legal and political history.

5. Serhiy Holovaty (1954-present)

Serhiy Holovaty, born on May 29, 1954, in Odesa, Ukraine, to a military servant’s family, is a distinguished Ukrainian legal professional and political figure. Growing up in a post-war environment, he worked at a bakery before pursuing higher education. Holovaty graduated with distinction from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv in 1977, specializing in international law. His academic journey continued with post-graduate studies and teaching roles, solidifying his expertise in international public law, theory of law, constitutional law, and human rights.

Holovaty’s professional career is marked by significant contributions to Ukraine’s legal and political framework. He was a key figure in drafting Ukraine’s new constitution and served as Ukraine's People’s Deputy for six convocations. His tenure as Ukraine’s Minister of Justice and involvement in international law research abroad further highlight his legal acumen. Holovaty’s role in the Ukrainian Helsinki Group and the European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission) underscores his commitment to human rights and democracy.

Serhiy Holovaty continues to impact the legal landscape in Ukraine and beyond. As a Judge of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine since 2018, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the country’s constitutional policies. His leadership in various legal organizations and extensive publication record, including the notable works “The Rule of Law” and “On Human Rights. Lectures,” reflect his ongoing dedication to the legal profession and human rights advocacy.

6. Mykola Skrypnyk (1872–1933)

Mykola Oleksiiovych Skrypnyk, born on January 25, 1872, in Yasynuvata, Yekaterinoslav Governorate, Russian Empire, was a prominent Ukrainian Bolshevik revolutionary and communist leader. His father worked as a railway telegraph operator, and his mother was a midwife, creating an environment that exposed him early to public service and civic duty. Skrypnyk’s education began at the Barvinkove Elementary School, but his revolutionary activities led to his expulsion from the Izium Realschule. He eventually graduated from the Kursk Realschule in 1890, where he developed a deep interest in Ukrainian history and literature, particularly the works of Taras Shevchenko and Panteleimon Kulish.

Skrypnyk’s professional life was deeply intertwined with the political landscape of his time. Initially a Saint Petersburg Hromada society member, he joined the Marxist social democratic movement in 1897 and later the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party in 1898. His studies at Saint Petersburg State Institute of Technology were cut short by his arrest for political activities, leading him to commit to a life of revolutionary work. Despite multiple arrests and exiles, Skrypnyk continued his involvement in revolutionary activities across various Russian cities, culminating in his significant role in the October Revolution and his election to the first Bolshevik government of Ukraine.

Skrypnyk’s legacy is most notable for his advocacy of Ukrainian independence and cultural Ukrainization in Soviet Ukraine. As the Head of the Ukrainian People’s Commissariat, he was crucial in promoting Ukrainian culture, language, and education. However, the reversal of Ukrainization and his removal from power led to his tragic suicide on July 7, 1933, rather than facing a forced recantation of his policies. Skrypnyk’s commitment to Ukrainian autonomy and cultural identity marks him as a key figure in Ukraine’s historical struggle for self-determination.

7. Yevhen Petrushevych (1863–1940)

Yevhen Omelianovych Petrushevych, a key figure in Ukrainian politics, was born on June 3, 1863, in Busk, Galicia, into a family with a noble background. His father was an Eastern Catholic priest, giving him a childhood immersed in religious and intellectual pursuits. After completing his education at the Lviv Academic Gymnasium, Petrushevych pursued a law degree at Lviv University, where he emerged as a leader in the student movement and chaired the Academic Fraternity. His legal acumen and commitment to public service were evident early on as he began his law practice in Sokal, earning a reputation for his dedication to defending the rights of the people against abuses of power.

Petrushevych’s political career was marked by significant achievements, reflecting his deep involvement in Ukrainian national affairs. In 1907, he was elected to the Imperial Council of Cisleithania (Reichsrat), and by 1910, he had become a prominent member of the Galician Sejm, representing the Stryi district. His leadership in the Ukrainian Sejm Club was instrumental in securing increased Ukrainian representation. During World War I, he was a staunch opponent of Galicia’s annexation by Poland, advocating for the region’s autonomy within Austria. His diplomatic efforts at the Brest-Litovsk Conference in 1918 and his collaboration with Czech and Slovakian parliamentarians underscored his commitment to forming national states within the Austrian Empire.

Petrushevych’s most notable role was as the West Ukrainian People’s Republic (WUPR) president, formed after the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s collapse in 1918. Under his leadership, the National Council sought peaceful power transfer and established the WUPR amidst the Polish-Ukrainian War. Despite military setbacks and political challenges, Petrushevych’s administration enacted laws to regulate socio-political and economic life, laying the legal foundations for the state. His tenure as an authorized dictator in 1919, encompassing presidential and governmental duties, was a testament to his influence and capabilities. Even after WUPR’s dissolution and exile, Petrushevych continued to advocate for Ukrainian rights, engaging in diplomatic efforts and publishing works to support the Ukrainian cause. He passed away on August 29, 1940, leaving a legacy as a dedicated legal professional and political leader who significantly impacted the Ukrainian national movement.

8. Viacheslav Chornovil (1937–1999)

Viacheslav Chornovil, born on December 24, 1937, in Yerky, Kyiv Oblast, grew up in the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic. His upbringing was marked by his parents’ modest backgrounds, with his father being a worker and his mother a housewife. Chornovil’s early life in the Soviet Union was typical of the era, characterized by a mix of traditional Ukrainian culture and Soviet ideology. His exposure to both elements significantly shaped his views and political activism later in life.

Chornovil pursued higher education at the University of Kyiv, initially enrolling in the College of Philology before transferring to the College of Journalism. His time at the university was interrupted by a break to work on a construction project in Zhdanov (now Mariupol), reflecting his engagement with practical and societal issues from a young age. Chornovil’s commitment to journalism and participation in student movements laid the foundation for his future career as a journalist and political activist. He graduated with honors in 1960, showcasing his intellectual capabilities and dedication to his studies.

Chornovil’s most significant contributions were as a journalist, dissident, and politician. He became known for his dissident activities during the Soviet era, leading to multiple arrests for his political views. Chornovil was a prominent figure in the Ukrainian Helsinki Group and played a key role in founding the People’s Movement of Ukraine (Rukh), the first non-communist party in Ukraine. His leadership in Rukh and role as editor-in-chief of Chas-Time newspaper demonstrated his commitment to Ukrainian independence and democracy. Chornovil’s tragic death in a car accident on March 25, 1999, ended his influential political career, but he remains remembered as a significant figure in Ukraine’s history and its path to independence.

9. Hryhorii Skovoroda (1722–1794)

Hryhorii Skovoroda was born into a Cossack family on December 3, 1722, in Chernukhi, present-day Ukraine. His father was a railway telegraph operator and his mother a midwife, creating a modest upbringing for Skovoroda. His early life was marked by a strong connection to his Cossack heritage and the rich cultural milieu of Eastern Ukraine.

Skovoroda’s education was comprehensive and diverse. He studied at the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, a prestigious institution where he was exposed to a broad range of philosophical, religious, and cultural ideas. His time at the academy was formative, influencing his later works, which often combined biblical themes with classical philosophical ideas. Despite not completing his studies, Skovoroda emerged as a deeply learned individual, fluent in several languages and well-versed in both Eastern and Western intellectual traditions.

Skovoroda’s achievements were primarily in philosophy, poetry, and music. He led the life of an itinerant scholar, traveling extensively and sharing his teachings. His works, blending Christian and classical philosophy, were significant in shaping the cultural heritage of Ukraine and Russia. Skovoroda’s influence extended beyond his lifetime, with his writings being published posthumously and continuing to inspire future generations. He died on November 9, 1794, leaving a legacy as a profound thinker and influential philosopher in Ukrainian and Russian history.

10. Mykhailo Hrushevsky (1866–1934)

Mykhailo Hrushevsky was born on September 29, 1866, in Kholm, which was then part of the Russian Empire. His father, Serhii Fedorovych Hrushevsky, was a Greco-Catholic gymnasium teacher, and his mother, Glafira Zakharivna, came from a family of Orthodox priests. Growing up in an environment rich in Ukrainian culture and history, Hrushevsky developed a deep connection to his national roots. His education at Saint Volodymyr University in Kyiv further solidified his understanding and passion for Ukrainian heritage, where he received blessings from his grandfather, a history department graduate.

Hrushevsky’s major achievements lay in the fields of academia and politics. He was a prominent historian, authoring the comprehensive ten-volume “History of Ukraine-Rus,” which profoundly impacted Ukrainian historiography by challenging the Russocentric paradigm. His approach to history was notable for its emphasis on the continuity of Ukrainian history and the role of the common people. Apart from his scholarly work, Hrushevsky played a significant role in Ukrainian politics. He was the head of the Central Rada during the Ukrainian Revolution. He was instrumental in advocating for Ukrainian autonomy and later independence within the tumultuous context of World War I and the Russian Revolution.

Hrushevsky’s influence extended beyond his lifetime, establishing him as a key figure in the Ukrainian national revival and a leading cultural figure in the early 20th century. His commitment to Ukraine’s historical and cultural identity and political activism made him a national hero. He died on November 24, 1934, leaving a legacy as one of Ukraine’s most revered historians and statesmen. His life and work inspire and influence Ukrainian scholarship and national consciousness.