Which countries still celebrate February 23rd?
So, the day of the so-called Defender of the Fatherland on February 23 is celebrated in Russia, which attacked Ukraine, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
As you know, Belarus is also taking part in the war in Ukraine, allowing the deployment of Russian military contingents, as well as hosting missile systems from which missiles were flown into Ukraine.
February 23 is not celebrated in Ukraine
Please note that since 2014, February 23 is not celebrated in Ukraine. In our country, the Day of Defenders and Defenders of Ukraine is a public holiday celebrated on October 14.
Its beginning dates back to October 14, 2014, by presidential decree called “Defender of Ukraine Day.”
“In the chronicle of the Ukrainian army, rich in exploits, there are many battles and dates worthy of becoming Defender of the Fatherland Day. I emphasize that Ukraine will never again celebrate this holiday according to the military-historical calendar of the neighboring country. We will honor the defenders of our Fatherland, not someone else’s!” – President Petro Poroshenko said then.
In Ukraine, the Day of Defenders and Defenders of Ukraine is celebrated on October 14 (photo: wikipedia.org)
On July 14, 2021, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine renamed the holiday the Day of Defenders and Defenders of Ukraine.
The need for such an all-Ukrainian holiday arose especially acutely after Russian occupation of Crimea and military operations in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions.
Let us note that the choice of the date October 14 is not accidental: on this day the Christian holiday of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated, and in 1999 the Day of the Ukrainian Cossacks was established.
By the way, on February 23, soldiers of the operational command “West” nevertheless congratulated the Russian occupiers on the holiday. True, not Happy Defender’s Day, but Happy “Russian bastard” day.
“Happy holiday, defenders! We have prepared a video of “congratulations” to our friends from the Russian army!” – says a message in the Telegram channel of the operational association.
Ukrainian politicians and bloggers share the eloquent video with great pleasure.