Ukrainian Statehood Day: Exact date and why it's celebrated
When Ukraine celebrates Statehood Day in 2025 (photo: Pixabay)
The feeling of unity, national dignity, and spiritual continuity is what Ukrainian Statehood Day embodies. This holiday not only honors the events of the past, but also affirms modern Ukraine’s right to uniqueness and independence. Here is the exact date and meaning behind this young Ukrainian holiday.
When and by whom the holiday was established
Ukrainian Statehood Day was officially established by a decree of President Volodymyr Zelensky on August 24, 2021. The initiative emerged as part of the celebrations of the 30th anniversary of Ukraine's independence.
The holiday was first celebrated in 2022 and immediately gained deep national significance. Initially, Statehood Day was observed on July 28, the day commemorating Prince Volodymyr the Great, the baptizer of Rus. However, after switching to the Revised Julian calendar, the celebration date was changed. It is now marked on July 15.
This decision was made in 2023 to align the holiday with the church calendar. Starting in 2024, Ukrainians annually celebrate Statehood Day on the new date, which corresponds with the updated ecclesiastical calendar.
When Statehood Day is celebrated in 2025
In 2025, Ukrainian Statehood Day will be celebrated on July 15, the official new date according to the church calendar. This year, the holiday falls on a Tuesday, but due to martial law, it will not be a public holiday.
After Ukraine's victory and a return to peaceful life, Statehood Day will likely again become an official public holiday with a day off.
Celebrating this date is important not only for religious individuals but for all Ukrainians who value their heritage and statehood. In 2025, despite the challenges of war, Ukrainians will celebrate this holiday for the fourth time. It unites the nation during difficult times and offers hope for a brighter future.
Ukrainian Statehood Day is connected to the Baptism of Rus and Volodymyr the Great (photo: Pixabay)
Why this holiday matters to Ukrainians
Ukrainian Statehood Day is a symbol of national identity, continuity, and sovereignty. This day reminds us that the Ukrainian state has deep historical roots, dating back to the times of Kyivan Rus.
In 988, the Baptism of Rus took place. This event defined the spiritual direction of the people and laid the foundation for the development of culture and statehood. The holiday honors not only Prince Volodymyr but also all those who fought for Ukraine's freedom and independence throughout the centuries.
On this day, we also remember other milestones in nation-building: the Cossack era, the Ukrainian People's Republic (UNR), the Western Ukrainian People's Republic (ZUNR), Carpathian Ukraine, and modern independence. Statehood Day is proof that Ukraine has never been an “artificial” state, as the aggressor country tries to claim.
We have our coat of arms, language, traditions, and historical path that cannot be doubted. That is why Ukrainian Statehood Day is more than just a holiday. It is a day of dignity, remembrance, and the strength of the Ukrainian people's spirit.
Sources: materials from the website of the Ukrainian Institute of National Memory, the portal of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, and Wikipedia.
