Zelensky signs bill on Christmas celebration in Ukraine on Dec 25 into law

MOSCOW. July 28 (Interfax) - Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has signed a bill changing the date of the celebration of the Day of Ukrainian Statehood, the Defenders Day, and Christmas into law.

The document, approved by the Verkhovna Rada, was returned to the parliament with Zelensky's signature on July 28, Ukrainian media outlets said with a reference to the Rada's website.

According to the bill, the Day of Ukrainian Statehood was moved to July 15 from July 28, the Defenders Day to October 1 from October 14, and Ukraine will now celebrate Christmas on December 25 instead of January 7.

As reported, on June 28, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky introduced to the Verkhovna Rada the bill "On amendments to Article 73 of the Labor Code of Ukraine," and the parliamentarians overall endorsed the bill on July 14.

The matter arose after the non-canonical Orthodox Church of Ukraine, backed by the authorities, had switched to the revised Julian calendar, the press said. Prior to it, Ukraine celebrated Christmas on January 7, like Russia.