Zelenskyy: Ukrainians alone will decide who their heroes are
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told an International Veterans Forum attended by a US envoy that Ukraine will build a national pantheon for those who shaped its identity, as the country's veteran count passed two million.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the International Veterans Forum, an event also attended by a United States envoy. Organizers noted during the forum that the number of Ukrainian veterans has now surpassed two million, a figure reflecting the scale and duration of the war's impact on society.
At the forum, Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine will establish a national pantheon dedicated to individuals who helped shape the country's identity. He stressed that the question of who counts as a national hero is one only Ukrainians themselves are entitled to decide.
The statement comes as part of broader efforts to reinforce Ukraine's historical and cultural self-identity amid ongoing war, while also honoring contributions to the country's defense. The forum brought together Ukrainian veterans and international partners to discuss support for those who have fought for the country.
The presence of a US envoy at the event points to continued Washington engagement on issues related to supporting Ukraine's veterans and the resilience of its society during wartime. Zelenskyy did not provide further details on the pantheon's location, timeline, or funding.
