Mechanical Engineer's Day is observed in Ukraine on the fourth Sunday in September. This professional holiday was officially established by President Leonid Kravchuk in 1993, although its origins date back to the Soviet era when it was first recognized by the Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union in 1980. The holiday honors the significant contributions of mechanical engineers to the development of the country's industry, particularly in heavy industry, which was vital to the Soviet economy. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Ukraine retained the celebration, distinguishing it from some former Soviet republics that abolished or altered the holiday. Mechanical engineering plays a crucial role in Ukraine's economy, with machine building companies contributing about 10% of the country's GDP, primarily located in Eastern Ukraine.