Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has signed a decree establishing the Day of Ukraine's Defenders on Oct. 14.
‘Seeking to commemorate the courage and heroism of defenders of Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity, military traditions and victories of the people of Ukraine, to promote the patriotic spirit in society and to support public initiative, I resolve to establish a Ukrainian holiday, the Day of Ukraine’s Defenders, which will be observed annually on Oct. 14,’ reads a presidential decree published on his website on Oct. 14.
The decree declaring Feb. 23 as the Defenders of the Fatherland Day has been pronounced invalid.
Oct. 14 is the Day of Ukrainian Cossacks and anniversary of the establishment of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army. Various political forces have been demanding that this day be proclaimed a state holiday for years.
