Ukraine's Defenders Day to be observed on October 14, February 23 celebration canceled

10:36, 14.10.2014 1 min read

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has signed a decree establishing the Day of Ukraine's Defenders on October 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 October 14," reads a presidential decree published on his website on Tuesday.

The decree declaring February 23 as the Defenders of the Fatherland Day has been pronounced invalid.

October 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.