Changing the Clock in Ukraine: An Important Clarification About Daylight Saving Time 2025.

Ukraine Decides Whether to Switch to Daylight Saving Time

The event concerning the clock change is causing concern among many residents of Ukraine. But should this practice continue at the end of March?

Typically, Ukraine transitions to daylight saving time in March, but this year everything has changed. Last year, parliament voted to abolish seasonal clock changes and proposed a permanent winter time with a new name 'Kyiv time'. The deputies justified this step by caring for the health of citizens and benefits for the economy.

Public opinion has divided regarding this decision, but the will of parliament remains unchanged. However, for these changes to take effect, President Volodymyr Zelensky must sign the relevant document. But in the past six months, he has yet to sign this bill.

Thus, if the president does not sign the bill by the end of March, Ukraine will continue to use the old system and transition to daylight saving time. But if he approves this document soon, a unified permanent 'Kyiv time' will be introduced for all regions in the country, completely eliminating the need for clock changes.

It is important to note that the transition to daylight saving time is traditionally not tied to a specific calendar date, but takes place on the last Sunday of March. In 2025, this falls on March 30. According to current rules, residents of Ukraine will need to set their clocks one hour ahead at 3:00 AM on that day unless other official directives are issued.

It should be noted that the practice of transitioning to daylight saving and winter time is common not only in Ukraine but also in many European countries. These changes occur twice a year - the transition to daylight saving time in spring and the return to winter (standard) time in the fall.

Questions regarding the feasibility of clock changes are causing discussions in many countries around the world. Those who support the abolition of this practice point to negative impacts on human biorhythms, potential health issues, and minimal economic benefits. Those against the abolition appreciate the longer daylight hours in summer and the tradition to which citizens have become accustomed.

It is worth recalling that recently an important initiative regarding daylight saving and winter time has emerged.