When and how will the clocks be set to standard time in 2026 in Ukraine?
In 2026, Ukraine will switch to standard time on Sunday, October 25. On the night of October 24–25, at 4:00 a.m. Kyiv time, clocks will need to be set back one hour to 3:00 a.m. Thus, the switch to standard time will take place in accordance with the current time calculation rules in Ukraine.
When do clocks switch to standard time in 2026?
The switch from daylight saving time to standard time traditionally takes place on the last Sunday in October. In 2026, that date is October 25.
This means Ukrainians will need to set their clocks back on the night before Sunday. When the clock reads 4:00 a.m., it must be set back to 3:00 a.m. In effect, the night will be one hour longer, so after setting the clocks back, people will be able to sleep an extra hour.
The transition to standard time is regulated by Resolution No. 509 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, “On the Procedure for Calculating Time on the Territory of Ukraine.” It provides for an annual clock change: on the last Sunday in March, clocks are set forward one hour, and on the last Sunday in October, they are set back one hour.
Why Ukraine Still Changes the Clocks
The issue of abolishing seasonal time changes in Ukraine has been under discussion for several years now. In 2024, the Verkhovna Rada adopted Bill No. 4201, which provided for the elimination of the switch to daylight saving time and the effective adoption of standard time as permanent.
However, this law did not take effect, so the current procedure remains in place for 2026. Accordingly, this fall, Ukrainians will once again have to set their clocks back one hour.
Do you need to manually adjust the time on your phone?
Most modern smartphones, tablets, computers, and other electronic devices automatically adjust the time, provided that the settings for automatic date, time, and time zone detection are enabled.
However, mechanical watches, car clocks, household appliances, and some other devices may require manual adjustment.
Therefore, the switch to standard time in Ukraine in 2026 will take place on October 25 at 4:00 a.m. The clock hands will need to be set back one hour—from 4:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. At this time, there are no grounds for canceling this transition specifically in the fall of 2026.
