Ukraine Prepares for Daylight Saving Time Switch on March 30
The traditional switch to daylight saving time in Ukraine will take place this Sunday, March 30, when at 3:00 AM the clock hands will move forward by one hour. Despite attempts to abolish this practice, Ukrainians continue to follow the long-standing tradition of seasonal time changes according to the Cabinet of Ministers’ decree.
Important Details About the Switch to Daylight Saving Time
On the night before Sunday, March 30, Ukrainians will move their clocks forward by one hour, marking the transition to ‘summer’ time. The procedure will take place according to Cabinet of Ministers’ Decree No. 509 from 1996, which regulates the time calculation procedure in Ukraine.
According to current legislation, annually on the last Sunday of March at 3 AM, clocks are moved forward by 1 hour, and on the last Sunday of October at 4 AM – moved back by 1 hour.
The issue of abolishing seasonal time changes remains relevant in Ukrainian society. In March 2021, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted in the first reading Bill No. 4201, which aimed to abolish seasonal time changes. However, it didn’t receive enough votes for final adoption, and the draft document was sent for a repeated second reading.
Only in the summer of 2024 did the bill receive a second review. However, even after the document was adopted, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy refused to sign it. Thus, Ukraine continues to follow the established practice of seasonal time changes that has been in effect for over 25 years.
Despite discussions about the practicality of changing clocks, Ukrainians should prepare for the switch to daylight saving time on March 30. This will help avoid being late and smoothly adapt to the new daily routine.
