Bill No. 13693: Overhauling How Fallen Defenders Are Honored
On April 30, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine approved Bill No. 13693, which fundamentally reforms the system of commemorating fallen soldiers. The legislation calls for the establishment of a network of memorial cemeteries, a standardized burial protocol, and free interment for those awarded the Order for Courage in all three classes. It also allocates funding for the years 2026 through 2029.
The bill passed its second reading and final vote with 267 lawmakers in favor and none opposed. Under the adopted plan, five major military memorial cemeteries will be built. The first 1,000 grave markers are scheduled to be installed in 2026, with annual capacity expanding to 4,000 units by 2029.
Funding and Project Implementation
For 2026, financing is set at 183.1 million hryvnias, of which 150 million hryvnias will go toward design and construction. By 2029, annual funding is projected to reach 349.3 million hryvnias. These resources will be reallocated from the budget of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs.
Veterans Affairs Minister Nataliia Kalmykova confirmed that her department has already begun selecting land parcels for memorial branches in five regions of Ukraine. She stated that design and cost estimates for these sites are expected to be finalized by the end of 2026.
“The adoption of Bill No. 13693 is a crucial step in honoring Ukraine’s fallen defenders and improving the burial system.” — Veterans Affairs Minister Nataliia Kalmykova
This decision not only ensures proper remembrance of the deceased but also lays the groundwork for a systematic approach to burials—a pressing need amid the ongoing conflict. With substantial funding committed for the coming years, timely execution and alignment with public expectations will be essential for the project's success.