Ukraine’s Clocks Will Change Again in 2026: Why the Planned Abolition Never Happened.

Ukraine’s Switch to Daylight Saving Time

According to Novyny.live: Every year, Ukraine moves its clocks forward on the last Sunday of March. In 2026, this shift to daylight saving time is scheduled for March 29 at 3:00 AM, when clocks will advance by one hour. The return to standard (winter) time will follow on October 25, 2026, at 4:00 AM, with clocks set back by one hour.

In 2024, Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, passed a law to permanently end the biannual clock changes. However, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy never signed it into law. The last planned switch to winter time was supposed to occur in October 2025, but the legal status of the clock-change practice remains unresolved.

Ongoing Debate Over Clock Changes

As a result, despite the approved legislation, the actual transition to both summer and winter time in 2026 will proceed according to the long-standing schedule. This issue continues to spark public discussion, yet the official timetable remains in effect.

The topic of daylight saving time in Ukraine draws considerable public attention and debate, as many citizens question its relevance. Abolishing the clock changes could have implications for the economy, the energy sector, and daily life. The president’s refusal to sign the law signals that the matter is still open and requires further deliberation at the state level.