A celebration of strength, continuity, and freedom: the history of Ukrainian Statehood Day

On July 15, Ukrainians celebrate Statehood Day, a holiday that affirms the continuity of our nation from Kievan Rus to modern Ukraine. Learn how this holiday came about and why it is especially important now

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Ukrainian Statehood Day is a public holiday celebrated every year on July 15. It is intended to honor the continuity of Ukrainian statehood from the times of Kievan Rus to modern independent Ukraine.

The holiday symbolizes a thousand years of history, the unity of the Ukrainian people, the connection between generations, and the unbreakable desire for freedom and self-government.

It also coincides with the day of remembrance of St. Vladimir the Great, who baptized Rus and is a symbol of the beginning of our state and spiritual tradition.

When did the holiday appear and why is it important?

Ukrainian Statehood Day was established by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in 2021. The holiday was first celebrated in 2022, during a full-scale war, as a powerful signal of the continuity of the Ukrainian state and its indestructibility.

Initially, the date of the celebration was July 28, according to the Julian church calendar. But from 2023, after the OCU switched to the New Julian style, the state officially moved the holiday to July 15.

This is not just a change of date — it is a confirmation of Ukraine's course towards breaking away from russian church traditions and integrating into the European cultural space.

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A thousand-year history of Ukrainian statehood

The holiday reminds us that Ukrainian statehood did not begin in 1991 — it has deep historical roots:

Kyivan Rus (9th–13th centuries) — the first powerful state on our lands. It was Prince Volodymyr the Great who baptized Rus in 988, choosing European civilization.

The Principality of Galicia-Volhynia — continued the traditions of Kyiv after the Mongol invasion.

The Cossack State (Hetmanate) — a unique phenomenon of military democracy that defended autonomy and self-government.

The Ukrainian People's Republic (1917–1921) — the first modern attempt to build an independent state.

The 1991 Act of Independence marked the end of the struggle and the restoration of the state after centuries of oppression.

Why does Ukraine need this holiday right now?

On Statehood Day, Ukrainians honor not only the past but also the present struggle for freedom. This holiday has a deep meaning:

Confirmation of historical continuity — Ukraine is not an accidental state, but the heir to Kievan Rus.

Refutation of Russian imperial myths — russia is trying to appropriate our history. This holiday emphasizes that Kyiv is the mother of Rus cities, not the “cradle of three brotherly peoples.”

The formation of national identity — it strengthens internal unity, which is especially important in times of war.

A symbol of indestructibility — even under fire, Ukraine remains a state with deep historical roots.

Why is this holiday important today?

In times of full-scale war, Ukrainian Statehood Day takes on special significance. It becomes a symbol of the nation's indestructibility, its deep roots, and its right to its own state, choice, language, and culture.

When russia denies the very existence of Ukrainian identity, this holiday reminds us that we are the descendants of a great state tradition that began long before the emergence of Moscow. It helps to counter disinformation, unites society, strengthens faith in victory, and legitimizes Ukraine's right to be a subject in world history.

It is not only a day of remembrance, but a day of our confidence in the future.

Ukrainian Statehood Day is a force not only of the past, but also of the future. It reminds us that Ukraine is not a new state, but a historical entity that has gone through a difficult struggle for freedom.

In particular, more and more foreigners are joining initiatives related to this holiday: they buy patriotic merchandise, the proceeds of which go to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and take part in volunteer and educational tours to the de-occupied territories of Ukraine.

Such trips provide an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the country's current reality and see the strength of its recovery and the resilience of its communities. These are not just trips — they are acts of solidarity and donations in action that help bring victory closer and build international dialogue based on respect for Ukrainian statehood. You can book such a trip on the Visit Ukraine website in just a few clicks.

Reminder! Travelling to Ukraine in 2025 can be an unforgettable experience — provided you avoid the common mistakes made by many foreigners. Find out how to prepare for your trip in advance, what not to do in Ukraine and what services will help you make your trip comfortable and safe.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

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