The Verkhovna Rada decided to reschedule the date back in 2023
Every year on October 1, Ukraine marks the Day of Defenders of Ukraine. The date is officially fixed in the state calendar system and is linked to religious updates. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine (Юлія Шиканова), according to the portal PromPolitInform.
The state holiday was established in 2014 under the name Day of the Defender of Ukraine. It was created to honor the courage and heroism of individuals defending the independence and territorial integrity of the state.
Name change and calendar
In 2021, the state date was renamed to the Day of Defenders of Ukraine. This decision was made to emphasize the role of women in the country’s defense process.
Until 2023, celebrations were held on October 14. The Verkhovna Rada voted in the summer of 2023 to change the calendar date.
Impact of church reform
The relocation was driven by the transition of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church to the Revised Julian calendar. Since the public holiday was historically based on the Intercession of the Theotokos, the date was synchronized with the new church realities.
The historical connection of the Intercession with Ukrainian Cossacks defined the day of honoring the army. Following the reform, the Intercession holiday falls precisely on October 1.
Calendar features and days off
In the official holiday calendar for 2026, this date is clearly marked. At the same time, due to martial law regulations, automatic additional days off are not provided.
On the same day, Ukraine marks Veteran’s Day and Ukrainian Cossack Day. Society expresses gratitude to the military for their service and daily protection.
Photo: RBC-Ukraine
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