Activist Warns of Risks to National Military Cemetery Project.

Challenges at the National Military Memorial Cemetery

According to Espreso.tv: Public activist Nadiya Kovalenko has raised alarms about the state of the National Military Memorial Cemetery in the village of Markhalivka. She has pointed to severe issues including excessive moisture, violations of construction standards, and delays in installing drainage systems at the site of the future cemetery.

Before construction even began, the designated area already suffered from high humidity and a high water table. The drainage system was only put in place after repeated appeals from the local community. Kovalenko stated that

“this is actually a gross violation of both building codes and sanitary regulations”

“we need to go back a bit in the timeline to see what went wrong. The location was chosen in error”

Damage and Next Steps

The situation worsened after heavy rains on June 9 washed away a dam on the cemetery grounds. Following more downpours on July 4, further destruction occurred: asphalt collapsed and gravel roads were eroded. These events have heightened concerns among village residents.

Despite a ruling by the Supreme Court, the National Military Memorial Cemetery will not be relocated. On August 5, 2025, the Sixth Administrative Court of Appeal declared the order issued by the Kyiv Regional Military Administration unlawful. Earlier, on January 30, the public organization 'Markhalivka. Support' had won an appeal in the Supreme Court.

Notably, on August 25, the remains of Andriy Melnyk and his wife were reinterred at the National Military Memorial Cemetery. According to Kovalenko, a private hydrological study was conducted together with veteran Lotosh to address the issues. The situation at the cemetery remains under close watch by the community and activists, who are determined to ensure proper conditions for honoring the fallen.

The troubles at the National Military Memorial Cemetery in Markhalivka underscore the critical need to adhere to building and sanitary standards—especially for sites meant to commemorate and honor the dead. Problems with drainage and moisture not only threaten physical infrastructure but also risk diminishing the emotional significance of such a place for the community. Moving forward, local authorities and activists must collaborate to stabilize the area and prevent similar incidents in the future.