The history of Ukrainian Republic as Ukrainian Soviet Republic and its government begins from 24-25 December 1917 when in Kharkiv the First All-Ukrainian Congress of Councils (radas, soviets) was conducted, which declared Ukraine as Ukrainian Republic, Ukrainian People's Republic of Soviets – Ukrainian Soviet Republic. Congress made a decision to get a close alliance with Russian Republic (also Soviet) and elected Central Executive Committee (Ukrainian: ЦВК).