The topic of changing clocks in Ukraine has become relevant again on the eve of spring. Despite the fact that in the summer of 2024 the Verkhovna Rada supported the abandonment of daylight saving time and the transition to permanent winter time, the corresponding bill has never entered into force.
The document was not signed by the President of Ukraine, so the changes did not legally enter into force. Accordingly, the current order of seasonal clock changes will continue to operate in Ukraine in 2026.
According to government decree, the transition to summer time takes place on the last Sunday in March - the clocks are moved forward one hour. The return to winter time takes place on the last Sunday in October - the clocks are moved back one hour.
In 2026, the transition to daylight saving time falls on March 29. At 03:00 Kyiv time, the clocks will need to be moved forward one hour.
Most modern electronic devices—smartphones, tablets, and computers—will change the time automatically. Mechanical watches, however, will have to be adjusted manually.
The initiators of the abolition of seasonal time changes argued their position with concern for the health of citizens and economic feasibility. In their opinion, the rejection of the double time change could have a positive impact on people's well-being and optimize work processes.
At the same time, the decision sparked debate in society. Some experts emphasized the need to harmonize Ukrainian time with European countries, where seasonal clock changes are still in effect.
Thus, in 2026, Ukrainians will live according to the usual schedule of seasonal time changes. The question of the final abolition of daylight saving time remains open.
