Ukraine advances National Pantheon law amid debate over Bandera inclusion

Ukraine’s parliament approved a bill to establish a National Pantheon, a project driven by President Volodymyr Zelensky. The legislation will create a government commission to decide which historical figures may be honored, and deputies have indicated that Stepan Bandera could be among those considered.

The move follows recent diplomatic outreach to Poland, with Ukraine’s foreign minister seeking a meeting to discuss the pantheon and related historical sensitivities. Tensions have risen after Zelensky named a unit “Heroes of the UPA,” prompting Polish officials to withdraw Ukrainian honors. Zelensky has emphasized the need for Polish support in Ukraine’s EU accession talks, while stressing shared history and security concerns.

No final list of pantheon inductees has been released, and the commission’s “very complicated procedure” will determine eligibility. The initiative reflects Ukraine’s effort to solidify national identity while navigating strained relations with neighbouring Poland.