Ukraine to Establish National Pantheon Amid Tensions Over Historical Figures

Ukraine’s parliament has passed a law creating a National Pantheon to honor state leaders and historical figures, as Kyiv seeks to manage ongoing diplomatic friction with Poland over shared, contentious history.

A Tactical Gesture of De-escalation

Reports suggest that Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha plans to propose the inclusion of Colonel Marko Bezruczko, a commander who led the defense of Zamość against the Bolsheviks in 1920, into the new National Pantheon. The move is viewed by government sources as an attempt to ease the historical conflict between Kyiv and Warsaw.

However, concerns remain regarding the potential inclusion of figures such as Kłym Sawur and Roman Szuchewycz, who are held responsible in Poland for crimes committed against Polish civilians during World War II. While the legislation creates the framework for the Pantheon, the specific criteria for who will be honored remain under review.

Parliamentary Approval and Selection Criteria

The Ukrainian parliament adopted the law on Wednesday following a proposal by President Volodymyr Zelensky. Parliamentary speaker Rusłan Stefanczuk stated the Pantheon will honor the nation’s “best sons and daughters.” The proposed law encompasses individuals who served as heads of state or held equivalent positions.

Mykyta Poturajew, a deputy from the Servant of the People faction, confirmed that no final list of honorees exists yet. He did not rule out the eventual inclusion of figures like Stepan Bandera, noting that a special government commission will ultimately decide on the inductees.

The Deepening Dispute Over UPA and Diplomatic Fallout

Historical grievances regarding the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) remain a primary source of friction. Polish authorities classify the 1943 massacres of Poles in Volhynia as genocide, while many in Ukraine view the UPA primarily as a symbol of the struggle for independence and resistance against Soviet rule.

The relationship has been further strained by recent symbolic actions, including the mutual exchange of state honors and the subsequent refusal by high-ranking officials from both nations to participate in diplomatic conferences. These tensions have hampered bilateral cooperation, leaving the legacy of the UPA as a persistent point of discord between the two countries.