Zelensky Signs Law On Hero Memorial Despite Polish Protests

KYIV/WARSAW, Aug 24 (Bernama-dpa) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a law establishing a national heroes' memorial, despite sharp criticism from Poland, according to an announcement by the Ukrainian parliament, dpa reported, citing the Ukrinform news agency.

The so-called pantheon is set to honour members of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), nationalist underground fighters who were responsible for the mass murder of Poles and Jews -- primarily in Volyn in what is now western Ukraine -- during the German occupation in World War II, with tens of thousands of victims.

"The Ukrainian pantheon will definitely be built, and only Ukrainians will decide who is a hero for us," Zelensky reaffirmed on Saturday before war veterans. 

Under the law, the state memorial will be established in the capital Kyiv and will honour historical figures dating back to the medieval Kyivan Rus empire.

Internationally controversial figures, whom modern Ukraine regards as independence fighters, are expected to be reinterred there. The pantheon is also intended to serve as a burial site for Ukrainian presidents. 

The Polish government in Warsaw initially made no comment. However, the advancement of the plan could further damage relations with Poland, an important western ally of Ukraine in its fight against Russia. 

After the Ukrainian parliament passed the law in July, the office of Polish President Karol Nawrocki said that from Poland's perspective, glorifying criminals who had committed genocide in Volyn was not the path to the western world. 

A rift between the two countries had already emerged in June after Zelensky awarded a military unit the honorary title "Heroes of the UPA". Warsaw subsequently withdrew the Order of the White Eagle it had awarded to Zelensky. Several Ukrainian and Polish politicians also returned honours they had received from the neighbouring country.

-- BERNAMA-dpa