The Verkhovna Rada renamed the Day of the Defender of Ukraine to the Day of Defenders and Defenders of Ukraine. The corresponding decision was supported by 317 people's deputies at a meeting on Wednesday, July 14.
During the discussion, it was proposed to rename the holiday to the Day of Defenders of Ukraine, but after the first reading, another name appeared - the Day of Defenders and Defenders of Ukraine, which the people's deputies finally supported.
The law enters into force on the day following its publication.
The initiator of the corresponding draft law was deputy Maryna Bardyna from "Servant of the People".
"The adoption of this law will contribute to the gender-balanced enlightenment of the role of military personnel of both sexes in the military service and the celebration of women and men - defenders of the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, military traditions and victories of the Ukrainian people at the level of a state holiday," the explanatory note says.
As you know, the Defender of Ukraine Day has been celebrated on October 14 since 2014. Before this, the holiday was celebrated on February 23, as in Russia.
