A National Pantheon for Ukraine: Who Qualifies and How the Selection Works Under a New Presidential Initiative.

Draft Law on Establishing the National Pantheon

According to Espreso.tv: Ukrainian lawmaker Mykyta Poturayev has outlined a proposed law to create a National Pantheon. The bill sets the criteria for pantheonization, rules for forming a commission, and who can submit candidates. The legislation, introduced at the president’s request, was registered in the Verkhovna Rada on June 28 by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy himself.

How Pantheonization Will Work

If passed, the Cabinet of Ministers will have six months to develop the necessary regulatory framework. The following entities will be allowed to nominate individuals for the National Pantheon:

• The President of Ukraine
• The Cabinet of Ministers
• The Verkhovna Rada
• Citizens through electronic petitions

Each nomination will be considered individually after a public discussion period. The final decision on pantheonization will rest with the Verkhovna Rada, which will amend the National Pantheon law accordingly.

“The law is completely simple and transparent; it defines the criteria for who can be pantheonized.” — Mykyta Poturayev

Poturayev also stressed that “four entities will be able to submit candidates to the National Pantheon” and that “a decision on each person must be made separately—no collective, list-based decisions are allowed.” These provisions aim to ensure transparency and fairness in Ukraine’s pantheonization process.

This initiative marks a significant effort to honor outstanding figures who have contributed greatly to the country’s development. The bill, now before parliament, seeks to establish clear rules and procedures for pantheonization, which could boost public confidence in the process. Involving citizens through public discussions also reflects a commitment to openness and civic engagement in key national decisions.