In autumn 2026, Ukraine is once again preparing to switch to winter time. According to established practice and the current Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 509 dated May 13, 1996, clock hands will be moved on the last Sunday of October. This year, the date falls on October 25. At 4:00 AM, Ukrainians must set their clocks back one hour, returning to standard UTC+2 time.
Why Sunday Was Chosen
The choice of Sunday for the time change is driven by the desire to minimize social and economic discomfort. The Royal Observatory in Greenwich notes that carrying out this procedure on a weekend day allows for avoiding conflicts in the operation of government agencies, businesses, and educational institutions. This gives citizens the opportunity to adapt to the schedule change without the rush at the beginning of the work week, which is especially important for synchronizing transport systems and international communications.
Conflicting Data
The situation regarding the cancellation of the clock change remains uncertain. In July 2024, the Verkhovna Rada adopted a law aimed at abandoning seasonal time changes. However, as of September 27, 2026, the document has the status of "Sent to the President for signature" and has not been signed since August 2024. A legal collision arises: the legislative initiative exists but has not come into effect, so the old order established by the 1996 resolution remains in force.
Consequences for Citizens
Switching to winter time means that daylight hours will start and end one hour earlier. Most modern electronic devices, including smartphones and computers, perform the change automatically via time servers. However, owners of mechanical watches and certain household appliances are advised to make adjustments manually on the night from Saturday to Sunday to avoid confusion with alarms on Monday.
