Russian propaganda is spreading another fake, claiming that in Ukraine soldiers will allegedly be buried using “Nazi symbols.” The claim concerns temporary grave markers at the National Military Memorial Cemetery near Kyiv, which was opened in August this year. Propagandists describe the crosses on the grave markers as a “copy of German World War II burials with swastikas” and assert that such symbols do not exist in Ukrainian military symbolism or awards. StopFake debunks this fake.

Temporary grave markers and their origin

The photographs used by Kremlin media to support their accusations show temporary grave markers. These structures are installed only for the period while the ground settles, after which they will be replaced with permanent monuments. The permanent grave markers will follow two designs approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine: a Cossack cross or a slab with a rounded top. Neither of these has anything to do with Nazi symbolism.

The temporary grave markers are a modern interpretation of the Cossack cross – a symbol that has been used for the burial of Ukrainian Cossacks since the 16th century. This type of cross is widespread at historical Cossack cemeteries that have survived to this day and is part of Ukraine’s cultural heritage.

The Cossack cross in modern symbolism

The propagandist claim that the Cossack cross is not used in Ukrainian military symbolism or awards is false. Examples of medals featuring the Cossack cross – such as the Knight’s Cross, Cross of Honor, and For Assistance to the Defense – can be found on the official website of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. In addition, this symbol is present on the flag of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which confirms its widespread use in Ukrainian heraldry.

Ukrainian traditions at the heart of the memorial

The chief architect of the National Military Memorial Cemetery project, Serhii Derbin, emphasized that the design of the complex is based exclusively on Ukrainian burial traditions:

“Ukrainian culture has its own unique burial traditions, which we took as the foundation for creating a modern memorial complex. We are not copying foreign models but developing our own military aesthetics, drawing on our history”.

Thus, accusations of “Nazi” symbols at a Ukrainian military cemetery are yet another attempt at disinformation that does not stand up to fact-checking. The Cossack cross is a historical Ukrainian symbol with no connection whatsoever to Nazism.