Restoration of weekends on public holidays: an opportunity for Ukrainians to relax even during war in 2026

Ukraine is considering a bill that proposes restoring official days off for public holidays, including New Year, Christmas, Constitution Day, and Independence Day, even under martial law.

According to the initiative, the current challenges of war should not prevent people from enjoying peace and rest. Lawmakers emphasize the importance of regular days off to maintain mental and physical health. Holidays should be an opportunity for Ukrainians to distract themselves from daily difficulties, spend time with loved ones, and escape the constant stress.

However, the document states that, if necessary, employers may involve employees in work even on holidays. This means the state reserves the right to adapt to the country’s situation, prioritizing security.

A separate regulation applies to military personnel. For them, days off can be counted as annual leave or compensated for by other forms of rest, indicating an attempt to balance the performance of duties with the right to recovery. Even the strongest need rest.

The bill also contains general rules for all categories of workers to prevent employer overload and abuse. It is about returning to a normal work rhythm, where not only duties, but also personal life will have its place.

The document is currently awaiting consideration in the Verkhovna Rada, and only after the vote will it become clear whether Ukrainians will be able to plan holidays not only on the calendar, but also in their everyday lives.

It is also worth noting that new financial assistance is being prepared for Ukrainians in the context of “blackout” payments. Previously, issues related to emergency power outages and the reasons the supply situation is not improving despite long-term repairs were discussed.