Shevchenko, Franko, and Lesya Ukrainka will not be reburied in the National Pantheon - Alfiorov

In the future Ukrainian National Pantheon, only a few dozen honorary burials will be created, not 300–500 graves. This was stated by the head of the Ukrainian Institute of National Memory, Oleksandr Alfiorov, during a broadcast of the national telethon on July 15, reports UNN.

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According to him, the pantheon should become a central state memorial complex for honoring prominent figures of Ukrainian history.

"The Pantheon is not a cemetery; there will not be 300-500 burials there. There will be a few dozen people reburied there," Alfiorov emphasized.

This primarily concerns a memorial for heroes, where, alongside burials, cenotaphs, memorial plaques, and other symbolic objects may be installed. The exact number of burials has not yet been determined, but it will likely amount to a few dozen.

At the same time, the official documents regarding the creation of the Pantheon do not provide for the placement of 300–500 graves. There is also no approved list of persons who may be buried or commemorated on the territory of the complex.

How and why the initiative for the National Pantheon arose

At the end of June 2026, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy submitted to the Verkhovna Rada a draft law "On the Ukrainian National Pantheon," designating it as urgent.

On July 1, the parliament supported the document. 287 people's deputies voted for the corresponding decision.

Where the National Pantheon will be created

The National Pantheon will be located in the capital of Ukraine. It will become a state memorial complex.

The Cabinet of Ministers has determined that it is planned to be located on the territory of the National Reserve "Kyiv Pechersk Lavra."

A specific location within the reserve has not yet been chosen. The Ministry of Culture must organize an open architectural competition, and the Ukrainian Institute of National Memory must ensure the scientific and expert development of the concept, as well as the conduct of public discussions.

The final architectural project, construction cost, and timeline for the implementation of the initiative have not yet been approved.

Who will be buried in the Pantheon

The legislation defines only general categories of persons who may be commemorated in the Ukrainian National Pantheon.

This concerns, in particular:

• leaders of Ukrainian state formations of various historical periods; presidents of Ukraine;
• military commanders;
• figures of state-building, culture, science, education, the Ukrainian language, and religious life.

The list of potential candidates may also include Ukrainians or figures associated with Ukraine who have received international recognition, including the Nobel Prize.

However, this does not mean that the remains of prominent Ukrainians, such as classics of Ukrainian literature, will be transferred to the Pantheon.

"The Pantheon is not about collecting relics, and therefore, for example, Shevchenko is buried in Kaniv on Chernecha Hora — he will remain there, Lesya Ukrainka, Franko — will be in their places, Kotlyarevsky will be in his place. The Pantheon is not about relic ownership," emphasized the head of the Ukrainian Institute of National Memory.

At the same time, automatic burial or commemoration of a person in the Pantheon is not provided for. Each candidacy must be considered by a special advisory body involving historians, scientists, and representatives of the Ukrainian Institute of National Memory.

After expert review and public discussion, the Verkhovna Rada must adopt a separate decision regarding each specific person.

For reburial, the consent of relatives will also be required. In case of refusal by the family, such a proposal can be reconsidered no earlier than after five years.

In general, reburial is proposed to be carried out no earlier than 20 years after a person's death. Exceptions are possible if the grave is under threat of destruction, the remains were not previously properly buried, or the burial site is located abroad.

There will be not only graves in the Pantheon

The Ukrainian National Pantheon is planned to be used not only for honorary burials and reburials.

On its territory, cenotaphs — symbolic tombstones without remains, memorial plaques, and commemorative signs — may be installed. The complex is also planned to host state and military ceremonies, award presentations, and official events involving foreign delegations.

The Pantheon is intended to serve educational and enlightenment functions. In particular, it envisions the creation of a Book of Remembrance and the holding of events dedicated to Ukrainian history and state-building.

The complex will be state-owned. It cannot be privatized or leased.

Why the Pantheon is not a military cemetery

The Ukrainian National Pantheon should not be confused with the National Military Memorial Cemetery.

The military memorial cemetery is primarily created for the burial of fallen defenders of Ukraine. In contrast, the Pantheon is meant to be a small memorial space for honoring a limited circle of state, military, cultural, and public figures from various historical periods.

That is why the number of burials in it is planned to be limited to a few dozen. A significant portion of figures may be commemorated symbolically — through cenotaphs, memorial plaques, or inclusion in the Book of Remembrance.

Will famous Ukrainian figures who died abroad be reburied in the Pantheon?

Earlier, it was reported that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had identified the burial sites of 98 famous Ukrainians in 21 countries.

These include political figures, military personnel, representatives of culture, and the Ukrainian liberation movement. At the same time, this number is not an approved list of individuals planned for reburial in the National Pantheon.

The transfer of remains from abroad will require not only the consent of relatives but also negotiations with the governments of the states where the burials are located.

Among the figures publicly mentioned in the context of the future Pantheon was Hetman Ivan Mazepa. However, no official list of candidates currently exists.