She made these remarks in Rotterdam in comments to a Ukrinform correspondent.

“Today’s event is extremely important, especially now that Ukraine is once again fighting for its independence. This is not merely the return of Yevhen Konovalets’ remains to his homeland. It is the restoration of our historical memory and the reestablishment of historical justice,” Vereshchuk said.

She also noted that upon their return to Ukraine, Konovalets’ remains will undergo a comprehensive series of modern scientific examinations.

“We want to utilize all the scientific knowledge and technology at our disposal to document history as thoroughly as possible. CT scans, MRIs, and other necessary procedures will be performed. Experts, historians, and anthropologists will be involved, and everything necessary will be done to leave our descendants with the most accurate evidence possible,” Vereshchuk noted.

The deputy head of the Office of the President of Ukraine emphasized that this is the first time such procedures have been carried out in Ukraine, and that the government plans to apply this approach to other prominent Ukrainians as well.

“This applies not only to Yevhen Konovalets. We have plans to repatriate other prominent Ukrainians: military figures, writers, and cultural figures. We want to establish a systematic approach to preserving our historical heritage,” she stated.

Following the completion of the scientific procedures, religious services will be held by the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. Vereshchuk noted that Konovalets was a Greek Catholic and came from a family with a centuries-old tradition of priestly service: “He had Greek Catholic priests on both his father’s and mother’s sides. It was the Church in Galicia that combined spirituality, education, and national consciousness. That is why his return holds such profound significance for the UGCC.”

Vereshchuk emphasized that the Ukrainian military had been eagerly awaiting Konovalets’ return.

“We’ve already mentioned today the military units named in honor of Yevhen Konovalets. His ideas regarding the creation of a Ukrainian army, discipline, responsibility, and strategic thinking continue to live on today in the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” she noted.

Following the church services, a state ceremony for Konovalets’ reburial will take place.

“The reburial will be attended by the President of Ukraine, the government, parliament, and military officials. This will be the highest form of state honor for a man who dedicated his life to the struggle for Ukraine’s freedom,” the official emphasized.

The exact date of the ceremony is not being announced for security reasons; however, according to Vereshchuk, it will take place in the near future, and a memorial site in honor of Yevhen Konovalets will remain at the “Crooswijk” cemetery in Rotterdam.

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“I would like to thank Andrii Kostin, Ukraine’s ambassador to the Netherlands, and his team. They have already carried out the necessary work with the Dutch authorities. The burial site will remain in Ukraine, and a commemorative plaque will be installed there,” she said, noting that the memorial will serve as a place of remembrance for the Ukrainian community in the Netherlands and for official delegations visiting Rotterdam.

“We want the community to be able to continue coming here to honor the memory of Yevhen Konovalets. This will be part of a broader state project to commemorate outstanding Ukrainians abroad,” Vereshchuk added.

As reported by Ukrinform, the remains of Colonel Yevhen Konovalets were exhumed at the “Crooswijk” cemetery in Rotterdam.