Ukrainian Independence Day: Will Ukrainians have additional days off?
Ukrainian Independence Day (Photo: Getty Images)
Public holidays stipulated by the Labor Code during the war in Ukraine have been canceled. Due to the war, there will be no additional day off for Independence Day, citing the law "On the Organization of Labor Relations in Conditions of Martial Law."
During the war, the provision allowing the Cabinet of Ministers to move working days if a public holiday falls on a Thursday or Tuesday is not in effect. This year, Independence Day falls on a Thursday. Therefore, under normal circumstances, there would be four consecutive days off - from August 24th to 27th - with the compensatory day off being observed on one of the following Saturdays.
The law adopted by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine in March 2022 significantly amended labor legislation as restrictions on the rights and freedoms of individuals and citizens provided for by the Constitution are introduced during martial law. The law cancels all public holidays.
Independence Day
The popularity of Independence Day in Ukraine has significantly increased after 2022. Before the full-scale war with Russia, only 37% of the population valued it, whereas now it's 63%, an increase of 26 percentage points.
No large-scale events are planned for Independence Day on August 24th this year in Kyiv. However, Khreshchatyk Street will be closed for a week. This is because an exhibition showcasing captured equipment from the Russian army is scheduled in the capital for Independence Day.
