Ukraine breaks ties with Russian tradition, moves Christmas to Dec. 25

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a law moving the official Christmas Day holiday from Jan. 7 to Dec. 25, denouncing Russian-imposed traditions. The law aims to abandon Russian heritage and align with Ukrainian identity and traditions. Last year, some Ukrainians already observed Christmas on Dec. 25 as a symbol of separation from Russia. The law also changes the dates of the Day of Ukrainian Statehood and the Day of Defenders of Ukraine. The Russian Orthodox Church, which claims sovereignty over Orthodoxy in Ukraine, continues to use the Julian calendar, while Ukraine's Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on Dec. 25.