Petition Calling for Stepan Hiha to Be Named a Hero of Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has officially addressed a public petition that garnered over 25,000 signatures, which requested that the late People’s Artist of Ukraine, Stepan Hiha, be posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine. The petition sought to honor the memory of the renowned Ukrainian cultural figure. In his response, Zelenskyy noted that while the petition is a significant expression of public will, it does not in itself serve as a direct basis for granting the award.
The Official Award Process
The title of Hero of Ukraine is the nation’s highest state honor. Under the established procedure, nominations for the award must be submitted to the president by specific authorized bodies, including:
- The Verkhovna Rada (parliament)
- The Cabinet of Ministers
- The Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court
- The Prosecutor General’s Office
- Various ministries and other state agencies
In light of the petition, Zelenskyy has asked Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister, Yuliia Svyrydenko, to review and process the matter.
The petition was initiated by Halyna Papazova, who called for honoring the legacy of Stepan Hiha following his death on December 12, 2025, at a hospital in Lviv. The late artist had expressed his wish to be buried at Lychakiv Cemetery. In his statement, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the citizens who supported the initiative:
'I thank everyone who joined this petition for your active civic stance and desire to honor the memory of the renowned Ukrainian artist Stepan Hiha (posthumously).' Volodymyr Zelenskyy
It is important to note that the bodies authorized to propose state honors must submit a formal nomination along with a standardized award dossier to the President of Ukraine. This dossier must detail the specific merits and achievements of the individual that justify the award.
This initiative highlights the growing role of civic activism in Ukraine and the public’s desire to recognize the contributions of outstanding figures, even after their passing. The petition for Stepan Hiha reflects the deep cultural impact of his work on Ukrainian society and demonstrates how modern Ukrainians are actively working to preserve the memory of their artists.
In addition to the ongoing discussions regarding the Hero of Ukraine title for Stepan Hiha, a recent memorial concert featured over 50 artists paying tribute to the late cultural icon. This event not only highlights Hiha's enduring legacy but also reflects the widespread admiration he garnered throughout his life and beyond.