A Daily Minute of Silence: How the Alert Systems Will Work Going Forward
23 May 04:15
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has authorized the use of state public address systems not only to issue danger warnings but also to make announcements related to honoring the memory of fallen defenders and victims of tragedies. From now on, these systems can announce a nationwide minute of silence every day at 9:00 a.m. This was announced by Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
What the Cabinet of Ministers Changed
The government has adopted a decision allowing the use of state public address systems for memorial announcements.
This refers to the announcement of:
- a daily nationwide moment of silence at 9:00 a.m.;
- the nationwide “Light a Candle” campaign;
- announcements related to honoring the memory of fallen heroes;
- announcements commemorating the victims of tragedies.
Thus, public alert systems gain another function—not only to inform about threats, but also to help foster a culture of remembrance.
When the moment of silence will be observed
A nationwide moment of silence will be observed daily at 9:00 a.m.
At this time, Ukrainians are urged to pause for a minute to honor the memory of the military and civilians who died as a result of Russian aggression.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the daily minute of silence is an important part of a new culture of remembrance in Ukraine.
“We are shaping a new culture of remembrance. The daily moment of silence is an important part of it and a manifestation of our respect for the fallen defenders and civilian citizens,” noted Yulia Svyrydenko.
Where the moment of silence is already being observed
In Kyiv, a minute of silence has been announced daily at 9:00 a.m. over loudspeakers since April 21.
Now this practice can be more widely implemented in other communities thanks to the Cabinet of Ministers’ decision regarding the use of state public address systems.
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What is the “Light a Candle” campaign
Public address systems will also be used during the nationwide “Light a Candle” campaign .
This campaign takes place every year on the fourth Saturday of November, leading up to the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the 1932–1933 Holodomor.
On this day, Ukrainians light candles in their windows and near monuments and memorials to honor the millions of people who died of starvation.
Why This Decision Is Important
Since the start of the full-scale war, the daily minute of silence has become for Ukraine not just a formality, but a symbol of shared memory.
It is a way to honor:
- the soldiers who died for Ukraine;
- civilians killed by Russian shelling;
- rescuers, medical workers, volunteers, and everyone who has died because of the war;
- the victims of the Ukrainian people’s historical tragedies.
The Cabinet of Ministers’ decision is intended to make the practice of commemoration more visible, regular, and nationwide.
Legislative Context
On February 11, the Verkhovna Rada passed Bill No. 14144 in its second reading, which provides for the establishment of a nationwide moment of silence.
The government’s decision regarding the use of public address systems is a practical step toward implementing this idea at the community and government communications levels.
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