Categories: UKRAINE

Ukrainian veteran stages hunger strike on Independence Square in Kyiv over controversial Military Cemetery plan

Wounded ukrainian veteran stages hunger strike on Independence Square over controversial Military Cemetery plan.

A combat veteran, seriously wounded near Irpin and now living with a prosthetic limb, known by the callsign “Latvian,” is currently on a hunger strike in Kyiv near the people’s memorial to those who died on Independence Square.

The reason is simple. The central executive authorities at all levels have completely disregarded public opinion regarding the construction of the National Military Memorial Cemetery in the forest between the villages of Hatne and Markhalivka near Kyiv.

Everything there has been done in the worst possible way—they ignored the views of local residents, veterans, families of the fallen, and even architects who insisted on an open architectural competition. Instead, it’s once again about corruption, shady schemes, and land grabs. Over the years, there have been constant conflicts and clashes to which the authorities have blatantly failed to respond, choosing instead to withdraw from any meaningful communication. Now, they’re rushing to begin official military burials to legitimize the project.

Thank you, Serhiy, for taking a stand!

There must be an immediate response from the country’s top military and political leadership! And frankly, the Minister for Veterans Affairs must step down! In its current form, the National Military Memorial Cemetery project has no right to exist!

There must be a memorial! But involve veterans, the families of the fallen, and hold an open architectural competition! This kind of communication through silence is simply rock bottom…

And did anyone communicate this? Is there a threat or not? No, there was no healthy communication whatsoever. And of course, the result wasn’t long in coming. They’ve turned an absolutely right and necessary initiative into a scandal…

That’s exactly what I’m most upset about — the utterly botched communication where it should have been clear, transparent, and explained to everyone in detail…

This is exactly the place.
The Markhalivka Forest. Construction of a drainage system. The aquifers in this area feed three rivers —Petil, Prytvorka, and Siverka.
This land plot is unsuitable for traditional burials; it could lead to an environmental disaster!

Symoroz Oleg Oleksandrovych

EMPR