Ukrainian Statehood Day is observed in Ukraine every July 15, commemorating the baptism of Kyivan Rus’ by Grand Prince Volodymyr the Great. This holiday was established to highlight the continuity of Ukraine's statehood, tracing back over a thousand years to the founding of Kyiv and the reign of Volodymyr. The day marks the mass baptism of Kyiv's residents in the Dnipro River in 988, which initiated the Christianization of the region. The holiday's origins date back to 2008 when July 28 was declared the Day of the Baptism of Kyivan Rus’ — Ukraine, but it gained public holiday status in 2021. The date was moved to July 15 in 2023 due to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine's switch to the Revised Julian calendar. The establishment of this holiday aimed to promote the preservation of Ukraine’s national interests and counter misinformation regarding its historical statehood.