Sich Rada

The Sich Council[1] (Ukrainian: Січова Рада, Sichova Rada) was the highest branch of government of the Zaporozhian Cossacks, and based at their center, the Zaporizhian Sich.

It was also called Viyskova Rada (Military Council).

[2] The Rada, a type of governing committee but with participation from the cossack members, was involved in legislative, executive and judicial matters.

[3] It was able to decide when to go to war and when to conclude a peace treaty.

It elected the officer staff (starshyna), with the Kosh otaman at its head.