Day of Defenders and Defenders of Ukraine 2026 in Ukraine

Day of Defenders and Defenders of Ukraine was first celebrated in Ukraine on October 14, 2014.

Is Day of Defenders and Defenders of Ukraine a Public Holiday?

Due to martial law in Ukraine, all national holidays have been suspended until further notice. While this holiday might be privately observed, government offices will remain open on this day.

Ukrainian Heroes Rewarded

In a press release, President Petro Poroshenko said that the day honors the courage and heroism of defenders of Ukraine's independence and territorial integrity, military traditions and feats of the people of Ukraine.

In 2014, the Ukrainian president presented medals to military personnel. Political and military leaders made public statements that were nationally televised or published online. Some schools held assemblies where students gave flowers to local heroes.

What’s Open or Closed?

Because Day of Defenders and Defenders of Ukraine is such a new national holiday, it’s best to check with the local authorities which services are closed. Some businesses close for the day while others remain open.

Controversial Date

Ukraine was established as its own country in 1991. After years of corruption and little economic growth, Ukraine saw a series of violent protests in February 2014, resulting in the impeachment of former president Viktor Yanukovych. Russia refused to recognize the new interim government and invaded the Crimean Peninsula in Ukraine.

In the aftermath of the February demonstrations, also known as the 2014 Ukrainian revolution, pro-Russian and anti-government groups continued to demonstrate in the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts of Ukraine, an area commonly referred to as the "Donbass". On 5 September, 2014 the so-called Minsk Protocol, a deal to establish a ceasefire, was signed.

While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. If you find an error, please let us know.