Ukraine’s Parliament Approves Military Farewell Ritual for Fallen Soldiers Without Remains

Law of Ukraine ‘On the Charter of Garrison and Guard Services of the Armed Forces of Ukraine’

According to Главком: On May 14, the Verkhovna Rada passed a law introducing a military farewell ceremony for individuals legally declared deceased by a court. This legislation formalizes the procedures for rendering military honors to those who defended Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Since a traditional burial is impossible due to the absence of remains, a cenotaph may be placed at a cemetery for these individuals.

Under the adopted document, the military farewell ritual involves a solemn ceremony of paying military honors at the cenotaph site. According to the Verkhovna Rada,

the law was developed to regulate the rendering of military honors to persons defending Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity who have been declared deceased by a court.

To achieve this, corresponding amendments were made to the charter of garrison and guard services of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and its appendix.

Expansion of the National Military Memorial Cemetery

In addition, the National Military Memorial Cemetery (NMMC) plans to open branches across Ukraine’s regions. Veterans Affairs Minister Nataliia Kalmykova announced the start of land plot selection in five Ukrainian oblasts. By the end of 2026, design and estimate documentation for these facilities is expected to be approved. Furthermore, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has updated the descriptions of grave structures and memorial plaques at the NMMC. Specifically, Cabinet Resolution No. 190, dated February 11, 2026, provides details on the appearance of monuments and rules for inscriptions.

This law marks a significant step in honoring the memory of Ukraine’s fallen defenders who cannot be buried due to war-related circumstances. The introduction of a military farewell ritual and cenotaphs allows families to receive dignified remembrance for their loved ones. Expanding the National Military Memorial Cemetery network into the regions also underscores the state’s commitment to supporting veterans and their families by creating dedicated spaces for commemoration and tribute. These initiatives may become a crucial phase in rebuilding Ukraine’s national memory and historical legacy.

In addition to the recent legislation on military farewell ceremonies, the Ukrainian government has also made strides in enhancing military burial practices. The newly enacted law on military cemeteries, signed by President Zelensky, aims to establish more formalized resting places for fallen soldiers. This initiative complements the efforts to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. For further details on this significant development, read more about the new military cemeteries law.