Following the return of Andriy Melnyk's remains, Ukraine is preparing for the reburial of the founder of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists, Yevhen Konovalets. This was announced by Iryna Vereshchuk, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, after the reburial ceremony of Andriy Melnyk, as reported by Interfax-Ukraine.

Return of Yevhen Konovalets and other figures

According to Iryna Vereshchuk, the next stage of the state program for the return of the remains of prominent Ukrainians will be the reburial of Colonel Yevhen Konovalets of the UNR Army, who is currently resting in Rotterdam.

The state initiative covers not only 20th-century leaders but also prominent representatives of the Princely and Cossack eras. Negotiations are currently underway regarding the return of the remains of other famous figures, including Symon Petliura and Pavlo Skoropadsky, to Ukraine.

Regarding the future placement of the remains, Iryna Vereshchuk explained that a law on the National Pantheon is currently being drafted. This document will define the framework for future actions and the criteria for burial in the Pantheon, and decisions regarding each individual figure will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Creation of the Pantheon

At the end of March, the Head of the Office of the President, Kyrylo Budanov, announced his intention to submit proposals for the creation of a Pantheon of prominent Ukrainians to the Head of State for consideration.

We remind you that on May 21, coffins with the remains of OUN leader Andriy Melnyk and his wife Sofia arrived in Kyiv. After farewells at the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ of the UGCC, they were reburied at the National Military Memorial Cemetery (NVMC).

Where the Pantheon of prominent Ukrainians will be

The reburial of Andriy Melnyk at the NVMC is only the initial stage. According to historian and Member of Parliament Volodymyr Vyatrovych, the remains of several dozen prominent figures, including Melnyk and Konovalets, are to be finally transferred to the National Pantheon of Heroes, which will be established in the very center of Kyiv.

Vyatrovych noted that a "very worthy place" is being considered for the Pantheon, which will become a location for the highest state-level and international protocol events.

Reference: Yevhen Konovalets (1891–1938) was the commander of the Sich Riflemen, founder of UVO, and the first head of the OUN. He died in Rotterdam as a result of a terrorist act organized by a Soviet agent. He was buried at Korrsweyk Cemetery.