Every year on November 18, Ukraine celebrates the Day of the Sergeant of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This day existed in a different format since 2009, but the new holiday was introduced by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on April 19, 2019, by issuing a corresponding Decree. Before that, the Professional Sergeant’s Day was celebrated in March by order of the Minister of Defense from 2009, but the date and purpose of the holiday were slightly changed.

The purpose of the Sergeant’s Day is to thank and honor the dedication of sergeants and officers to military affairs, heroism, responsibility, courage, and professionalism in the performance of official duties. Sergeants are the key link in the Ukrainian army, on which the unit is supported. Until 2019, the purpose of the holiday was to support and increase the importance of military contract service.