Why is February 23 no longer celebrated in Ukraine?

Until recently, February 23 was celebrated as Men's Day, but today this tradition has lost its meaning for Ukrainians. Ukraine has abandoned the Soviet date in favor of its own values. Find out what has changed and what holiday we celebrate now

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For many years, February 23 was considered an unofficial “Men's Day” — with congratulations, gifts, and symbolic attention to men. However, this date has no reliable historical basis or connection to Ukrainian military tradition.

Today, Ukraine has officially abandoned this celebration — and there are good reasons for this.

The origin of February 23

The holiday originated in 1922 as the Day of the Red Army and Navy, created by the Bolshevik government headed by Vladimir Lenin. In 1949, it was renamed Soviet Army and Navy Day.

However, the events of 1918, to which this date refers, do not confirm its symbolic significance.

On January 28, 1918, the creation of the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army was proclaimed. In February, Germany launched an offensive against the Russian Soviet Republic. On February 23, it issued an ultimatum, which included, among other things, the recognition of the independence of Ukraine and other states. These conditions were accepted, and on March 3, the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk was signed.

Historians have found no confirmed victories of the Red Army on this day. On the contrary, the army at that time was characterized by poor organization, desertion, and a lack of effective resistance.

Initially, the anniversary was planned to be celebrated on January 28, but later it was combined with a propaganda campaign — “Red Gift Day,” which in 1919 was moved to February 23. Later, the Soviet authorities established this date as the “birthday” of the army, and in the 1930s, they created the myth of the “victory at Pskov and Narva,” which has no documentary evidence.

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Why did Ukraine abandon this holiday?

After declaring independence, Ukraine continued to celebrate February 23 for some time. At the same time, in 1993, an official military holiday was established — Armed Forces Day, which is celebrated on December 6.

The final rejection of the Soviet date took place after 2014, when Russia's aggression began.

The main reasons for this decision are:

the date is based on historical myths;

it is a legacy of Soviet ideology;

after the start of the war, February 23 is associated with the army of the aggressor state.

Currently, this date continues to be celebrated in Russia and Belarus.

What date is celebrated in Ukraine?

In 2014, Ukraine introduced Defender of Ukraine Day on October 14, the day of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin, who is traditionally considered the patron saint of the Ukrainian Cossacks.

After the Orthodox Church of Ukraine switched to the New Julian calendar, the date changed. Now Defenders of Ukraine Day is celebrated on October 1.

The rejection of February 23 is not just a change in the calendar date, but a conscious step toward rethinking history, moving away from Soviet narratives, and forming our own national tradition.

What holiday is celebrated around the world on February 23?

At the same time, in an international context, this date has a completely different, positive meaning. February 23 is celebrated as World Understanding and Peace Day, established by the founder of Rotary International, Paul Harris. His goal was to bring together people of different professions, cultures, and nationalities to serve society.

The main idea of this day is to remind us that peace begins with dialogue, mutual respect, and a willingness to listen to one another. In different countries around the world, peace forums, educational events, charitable initiatives, and support campaigns are held on this day, with a special focus on intercultural dialogue, tolerance, and the development of civil society.

The memory of important events and heroes lives on not only in dates, but also in everyday details. Visit Ukraine's patriotic merchandise helps to keep this connection alive - through things that remind us of freedom, dignity, and the power of community. It is an easy way to express support for Ukraine and its values in everyday life.

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We remind you! Ukraine is undergoing a moment of rethinking itself — a country that defends freedom while opening its culture, nature, and history to the world as a source of inspiration and strength. From art to sustainable tourism, every direction is becoming part of the global conversation about modern identity and development. Read more about how Ukraine is transforming its resources into a tool for revival and international recognition.

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