Verkhovna Rada “reassigned” July 28: on the Day of the Baptism of Rus', victims who died in captivity will now be commemorated

July 28, traditionally marked as the Day of the Baptism of Rus’, will now be officially observed as the Day of Remembrance of the Defenders of Ukraine, members of volunteer formations, and civilians who were executed, tortured, or died in captivity. The Verkhovna Rada adopted the corresponding resolution No. 10188 on July 23. The decision was supported by 268 members of parliament, according to Ukrinform.

The new commemorative date is established, as noted in the text of the resolution, “in support of public initiatives.”

“In order to preserve and duly honor the memory and to immortalize the heroism of the Defenders of Ukraine, members of volunteer formations, and civilians who were executed, tortured, or died in captivity, July 28 is established as a national Day of Remembrance,” the authors of the resolution stated.

Earlier, it was reported that the Office of the President of Ukraine announced an initiative to hold a World Prayer for Ukraine on August 24, 2025 — Independence Day. The appeal was addressed to members of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations, inviting representatives of all faiths, including from abroad, to take part.