The Last Journey of Fallen Soldiers in Ukraine: Traditions and Legal Norms

Abstract

The Russo-Ukrainian war, which has existed as a limited conflict since 2014 and acquired the character of a full-scale war since 24 February 2022, has led to numerous casualties among both civilians and military personnel. This has brought to the fore the issue of a dignified farewell on the final earthly path of soldiers who gave their lives in battle or died of wounds. In Ukraine during the specified period, informal traditions for the departure of the fallen began to materialise. A military funeral ceremony was developed and, in 2021, legislatively enshrined, which constitutes the formal component of bidding farewell to the fallen. The essence of this ceremony lies in the dignified honouring of the deceased defender, in rendering them due military honours to emphasise that the person being buried is not just anyone, but someone thanks to whom the state of Ukraine exists. This is further supported by the designation of special places for the burial of fallen soldiers, including the National Memorial Military Cemetery, solemnly opened in 2025. These aspects are continually evolving and changing, adapting to new conditions and societal demands. An example is the nationwide minute of silence introduced in March 2022, shortly after the start of the full-scale war, as a daily ritual of gratitude, respect and remembrance for the fallen. This symbolic unifying act, open to the participation of all, is intended to preserve the memory of the Russo-Ukrainian war and the cost of the common struggle for freedom and independence.