Final Tribute to Stepan Kubiv
On May 20, Lviv held a farewell ceremony for Stepan Kubiv, a Ukrainian lawmaker who previously served as First Vice Prime Minister and headed the National Bank of Ukraine. He passed away on May 18 at the age of 63 due to a blood clot. The funeral service began at the Archcathedral of St. George, followed by a city-wide ceremony at Rynok Square.
Kubiv, who was 63, represented Ukraine in the Verkhovna Rada during its 7th, 8th, and 9th convocations. He first entered parliament in 2012 as a member of the All-Ukrainian Union 'Batkivshchyna', and in later years worked within 'European Solidarity'. Throughout his political career, he focused on financial and economic policy, and also served as the president's representative in parliament.
His Role in Ukraine's Political Life
During the Revolution of Dignity, Kubiv served as commandant of the National Resistance Headquarters, coordinating Maidan activities. In 2014, during the fire at the Trade Unions Building, he helped rescue people from inside. Following these events, he became head of the National Bank of Ukraine and joined the National Security and Defense Council. In 2016, he was appointed First Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development and Trade.
Prominent political figures attended the farewell, including Verkhovna Rada Chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk, fifth President Petro Poroshenko, Oleh Syniutka, Oleksandr Turchynov, and Iryna Herashchenko. Ruslan Stefanchuk remarked:
'Stepan Ivanovych was such a unique person, a person of great heart, someone who thought in terms of millennia of Ukrainian statehood. I was his advisor starting in 2015, and he remained my mentor for life. That is why I am here.' Ruslan Stefanchuk
Petro Poroshenko also paid his respects, noting that 'Stepan was special to everyone, unique and unlike anyone else. We miss Stepan very much.'
Before entering politics, Kubiv gained banking experience as head of 'Kredobank' in Lviv. His contributions to Ukraine's economy and statehood will be remembered by many Ukrainians.
Stepan Kubiv's death represents a significant loss for Ukrainian politics, given the high-level positions he held during key periods of national transformation. His involvement in the Revolution of Dignity and his role in shaping Ukraine's economic policy underscore his lasting impact on the country's political landscape. The large gathering of colleagues and friends at his farewell highlights the respect and authority he commanded among Ukrainian politicians and the public alike.
Stepan Kubiv's impactful career spanned several significant roles in Ukrainian politics, shaping the country's economic landscape. To better understand his contributions and the positions he held throughout his life, you can explore a detailed overview of the various offices he occupied as a people's deputy.