President Joins Constitution Day Events at Historic Monastery Site
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy participated in Constitution Day ceremonies held on the grounds of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. During the event, he recalled a tragic incident from the night of June 15, when a Russian strike hit the monastery complex, damaging the Dormition Cathedral. Zelenskyy noted that across Ukraine, a total of 740 religious sites have been damaged by enemy attacks.
Those in attendance included:
- Ukrainian soldiers
- government officials
- former presidents of Ukraine
- emergency responders
- firefighters
- religious leaders
- members of the diplomatic corps
To mark Constitution Day, the president also awarded state honors to artists, educators, athletes, politicians, and other public figures.
Draft Law 'On the Ukrainian National Pantheon' Submitted to Parliament
Zelenskyy submitted a bill to the Verkhovna Rada titled 'On the Ukrainian National Pantheon,' underscoring the importance of preserving the memory of outstanding Ukrainians. In his address, he stated:
'Exactly 30 years ago, a crucial pillar of our state’s independence was erected, when Ukrainians stopped living under the old—and, more importantly, foreign—law and began fully building a new life. Our own life, based on new foundations and new principles, the chief of which is Ukraine’s right to be itself: sovereign, indivisible, and independent. These are the fundamental tenets of our Basic Law—the Constitution of Ukraine.' Volodymyr Zelenskyy
This Constitution Day event highlights the importance of national identity and sovereignty for Ukraine amid ongoing aggression. The awarding of state honors to artists and public figures acknowledges their contributions to societal development, as well as the need to preserve cultural heritage during wartime. The introduction of the 'On the Ukrainian National Pantheon' bill could represent a significant step in honoring the memory of distinguished Ukrainians and strengthening national consciousness.
As Ukraine reflects on its constitutional milestones, the president's recent initiatives emphasize the importance of national heritage. To explore how Zelenskyy's address resonates with the ongoing celebration of Ukraine's sovereignty and the significance of the Constitution's 30th anniversary, read more about his message to the nation here.