Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the passage of the law "On Ukrainian National Shrines"

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that a new legislative act, “On Ukrainian National Shrines,” is being drafted. Work on the bill is expected to be completed in time for Ukraine’s Independence Day celebrations. This was reported by Interfax-Ukraine.

The statement was made by the head of state during a solemn ceremony marking the 975th anniversary of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that he had already held preliminary consultations with Verkhovna Rada Chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk, calling on lawmakers to support the initiative, which aims to legally define the status of national shrines and establish mechanisms for their legal protection.

According to Zelenskyy, the adoption of the law will create additional conditions for the preservation of cultural heritage. “The status of a national shrine should provide more opportunities for everyone involved in protecting Ukraine’s heritage,” Zelenskyy noted. The initiative aims to strengthen financial, political, and legal tools for protecting museum collections and sites of historical significance throughout the country.

As a reminder, starting September 14, 2026, the V&A South Kensington museum in London will host a unique exhibition titled “Sacred Treasures from Kyiv.” For the first time, the British public will be introduced to seven outstanding examples of 18th-century Ukrainian sacred art from the collection of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve.