Clock Change in Ukraine
During the night between October 24 and 25, 2026, Ukraine will once again move clocks back by one hour. This adjustment will take place at 4:00 AM, when clocks will be set to 3:00 AM. Although Ukraine’s parliament approved a law on July 16, 2024, to abolish seasonal time changes, it has yet to come into effect. As of September 25, 2026, the legislation, proposed by Verkhovna Rada Chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk, remains unsigned by President Volodymyr Zelensky, preventing its official publication and enforcement.
The bill, numbered 4201, passed with the support of 261 deputies and was submitted to the president for signature on August 21, 2024. However, Zelensky neither signed nor vetoed the law, and the deadline for a veto has already expired. Consequently, Ukraine continues to follow Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 509 from May 13, 1996, which governs the country's time calculation. After the switch back to standard time, Ukraine will be in the UTC+2 time zone.
Neighboring Countries and Economic Considerations
Countries bordering Ukraine—including Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova—also observe daylight saving time changes twice annually. The next scheduled clock change in Ukraine is on March 28, 2027, when clocks will move forward by one hour. Ruslan Stefanchuk has pointed out that
“energy savings from seasonal clock changes are negligible,”highlighting the need to reconsider the current timekeeping system.
This ongoing situation in Ukraine reflects broader international debates about the value of seasonal time adjustments. Many nations have already decided to either abolish or maintain daylight saving time, influenced by diverse economic and social factors. Despite the parliament’s approval, the absence of presidential endorsement delays any reforms, which may frustrate citizens anticipating changes. The future direction remains uncertain, as political decisions will continue to shape daily life for Ukrainians.