Portnikov Criticizes Ukraine’s National Pantheon Plan, Warning It Could Become a Bureaucratic Quagmire.

Doubts Over the National Pantheon Initiative

According to Espreso.tv: Journalist Vitaliy Portnikov has raised serious concerns about the creation of a National Pantheon in Ukraine, arguing that the country already has significant memorial sites. His remarks come in response to a proposal by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who introduced draft legislation on June 28, 2026, to establish a Ukrainian National Pantheon. On July 1, 2026, the Verkhovna Rada passed the law 'On the Ukrainian National Pantheon,' designating the National Kyiv Pechersk Lavra Reserve as its location.

Portnikov warned that the initiative could lead to complications, particularly in negotiations with the families of the deceased. He emphasized that:

“Holding the office of president does not automatically mean one has earned merits for statehood.” — Vitaliy Portnikov

The journalist also suggested that “I would leave everyone where they are buried,” hinting at the potential relocation of graves, which he considers unacceptable.

Bureaucracy and Alternatives

Portnikov pointed out that implementing this project could turn into yet another bureaucratic process. “Every time, it will be a problem. You’ll have to negotiate with families, and this risks becoming another bureaucratic procedure,” he noted. As an alternative, he proposed that “this can be done differently. There’s no need to move graves—a symbolic sculptural alley could be created in a location important to the country.”

Thus, the question of establishing a National Pantheon in Ukraine remains unresolved, with opinions divided on its necessity. Portnikov, highlighting the importance of existing memorial sites, urges caution in moving forward with this initiative.

Given that the National Pantheon has sparked heated public debate, it is crucial to consider the historical and cultural factors that may shape perceptions of the project. While the president’s initiative may be seen as an attempt to consolidate national memory, a balance must be struck between new ideas and established traditions of honoring distinguished figures. As Portnikov notes, reaching a compromise with the families of the deceased could prove critical to the project’s success, requiring careful planning and input from society.