In brief
- Official name: Engineering Troops Day (‘Sapper’s Day’ – colloquial term).
- Date: Annually on 3 November (established by Presidential Decree No. 1399/99 of 27 October 1999).
- In 2026: Tuesday (working day).
- Below: Ready-made greetings for sappers and military engineers.
When is Sapper’s Day in 2026
The holiday was established by Presidential Decree of Ukraine No. 1399/99 of 27 October 1999:
‘To establish a public holiday in Ukraine — Engineering Troops Day, to be celebrated annually on 3 November’.
The Decree remains in force in its original version; the date of the celebration has not been changed.
| Year | Date | Day of the week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 November | Tuesday |
| 2027 | 3 November | Wednesday |
| 2028 | 3 November | Friday |
3 November is not a public holiday, as it is not included in the list of public holidays and non-working days under Article 73 of the Labour Code of Ukraine. Furthermore, public holidays and non-working days do not apply whilst martial law is in force (Law of Ukraine No. 2136-IX).
Why ‘Sapper’s Day’ and why specifically 3 November
In search queries, this holiday is often referred to as ‘Sapper’s Day’, but the official Decree No. 1399/99 uses the name ‘Engineer Troops Day’. The document states that the holiday was established in recognition of the engineering troops’ contributions to strengthening the state’s defence capabilities. The text of the Decree does not specify the exact reasons for choosing 3 November, and theories linking the date to specific historical events are not corroborated by primary sources.
Until 2024, 3 November was also observed in Ukraine as Missile and Artillery Forces Day (Decree No. 1215/97). However, by Decree No. 748/2024 of 2 November 2024, this holiday was moved to 4 December. Consequently, 3 November is now exclusively Engineering Troops Day.
On this day, military engineers and combat engineers are honoured. The Engineering Troops are part of the Special Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. They carry out extremely complex tasks: clearing terrain, buildings and roads of mines, creating passages through minefields and clearing rubble.
Congratulations on Engineering Troops Day
Happy Engineering Troops Day! Thank you for leading the way and returning safely. May every passage be clear, and may every task be the last in this area!
Happy holiday, mate! Your work ensures the safety of others. Take care of yourself, your hands, your head and your comrades by your side!
Dear military engineers! Thank you for clearing the roads, bridges and fields of mines. We hope you return home safe and sound every time.
Dad, happy birthday! We’re proud of you and can’t wait to see you at home. Come back safe and sound!
Happy Sapper’s Day! May there be no mistakes, either in the field or in life, and may your coffee always be waiting for you, piping hot!
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