On July 15, Ukraine celebrates the Day of Ukrainian Statehood. The holiday is intended to remind that the history of Ukrainian state-building did not begin in 1991, but has a tradition spanning over a thousand years - from medieval Rus with its center in Kyiv to modern independent Ukraine. UNN has examined the origins of the holiday and the traditions of its celebration.
History of establishing the Day of Ukrainian Statehood
The Day of Ukrainian Statehood was introduced by a decree of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on August 24, 2021. The document provided for the annual celebration of the holiday on the Day of the Baptism of Kyivan Rus-Ukraine and the commemoration of Prince Volodymyr the Great. It was first celebrated on July 28, 2022, already during Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine.
The purpose of the new state holiday is to affirm the continuity of Ukrainian state-building. The decree mentions Rus, the Kingdom of Galicia-Volhynia, the Ukrainian Cossack state, the Ukrainian People's Republic, the West Ukrainian People's Republic (ZUNR), the Ukrainian State of Hetman Pavlo Skoropadskyi, Carpathian Ukraine, and modern Ukraine.
Why the holiday is celebrated specifically on July 15
Initially, the Day of Ukrainian Statehood fell on July 28. In 2023, the date was moved to July 15 after the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church switched to the new calendar style. Corresponding changes were made to presidential decrees and Article 73 of the Labor Code.
The date coincides with the Day of the Baptism of Kyivan Rus-Ukraine and the day of commemoration of Prince Volodymyr the Great. It was during his reign in 988 that Rus adopted Christianity. This strengthened the state's international ties, promoted the development of education, literacy, culture, and law, and cemented its belonging to the European political and cultural space.
Symbolic meaning of the holiday
The Day of Ukrainian Statehood emphasizes the continuity of the Ukrainian political and cultural tradition. Its essence lies in honoring people who, over various centuries, defended the right of Ukrainians to self-determination.
One of the main symbols of the holiday became the trident - the sign of Prince Volodymyr, which became the Small State Emblem of Ukraine. Equally important symbols of continuity remain Kyiv as the historical center of state-building, the national currency, the state language, and military and legal traditions.
During the Russian-Ukrainian war, the date has acquired additional significance. It refutes Russian propaganda claims about the alleged "artificiality" of Ukraine and emphasizes that the modern state is the result of a long history of struggle, institutional development, and the preservation of national identity.
How the Day of Ukrainian Statehood is celebrated
Since the holiday is relatively new, it does not yet have established folk traditions. On this day, cities and communities hold solemn ceremonies, the raising of the state flag, thematic exhibitions, lectures, discussions, excursions, screenings of historical films, and educational events.
In schools, libraries, and museums, they tell about the stages of Ukrainian state-building, the princely era, the Cossacks, the Ukrainian Revolution of 1917–1921, and the restoration of independence in 1991.
Special attention is paid to honoring military personnel, volunteers, medics, volunteers, and all those who currently defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and our freedom.
Under martial law, mass events are held taking into account security restrictions. Some events take place online, and festive programs are often combined with charity collections, memorial actions, and support for the Defense Forces.
How the Day of Statehood differs from Independence Day
Independence Day on August 24 is dedicated to the adoption of the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine in 1991 and the restoration of its state sovereignty. It is the main holiday of the modern independent state.
The Day of Ukrainian Statehood has a broader historical framework. It shows that the independence of 1991 was a restoration of statehood that Ukrainians created, lost, and fought for again over the centuries. Thus, these dates do not duplicate each other: July 15 reminds of the historical roots of the state, and August 24 - of the restoration of its independence in its modern form.
Holidays in July: calendar of state, church and professional dates01.07.26, 10:07