Day of the Defender

The Ukrainian Day of the Defender is celebrated annually on October 14th. This public holiday honors veterans and fallen members of the Ukrainian armed forces who have fought for the sovereignty of Ukraine. The holiday was officially established in 2014 by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko due to the Russo-Ukrainian War and decommunization in Ukraine. It replaced the former Soviet holiday called “Defender of the Fatherland Day”. Celebrations include concerts, expos, military parades, marches, and festivals. It is an important cultural holiday that recognizes the bravery and sacrifice of those who have defended Ukraine.