As part of an official visit by the Ukrainian government delegation to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which took place in August 2026, high-ranking representatives of the Ukrainian leadership visited the Crooswijk cemetery in Rotterdam. The purpose of the visit was to lay flowers at the burial site of Colonel Yevhen Konovalets — the founder of the Ukrainian Military Organization (UVO) and the first head of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN).
Delegation Composition and Context of the Trip
According to official reports, the delegation was led by the Head of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, and Vice Prime Minister Irina Vereshchuk. The presence of these specific officials gave the event particular resonance in the information space. The visit took place during a period of active diplomatic contacts between Kyiv and European partners, underscoring the strategic importance of historical memory for modern Ukrainian statehood.
Analysis of Historical Narratives: The Myth of Ties with Hitler
During the discussion of this event in the media space, particularly in pro-Kremlin sources, claims resurfaced that Yevhen Konovalets was personally acquainted with Adolf Hitler and acted in the interests of the Third Reich. However, fact-checking of archival data refutes the version of a personal acquaintance. Historical documents indicate that Konovalets did indeed make attempts to establish contacts with representatives of the German foreign ministry, including Alfred Rosenberg, with the aim of seeking support in the struggle against the USSR. Nevertheless, there is no documentary evidence of meetings with the Führer himself.
Symbolism of the Continuity of Intelligence Services
Analysts note that the presence of the head of military intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, at Konovalets' grave carries deep symbolic meaning. In the 1920s–1930s, Konovalets created a powerful underground network of the UVO/OUN, which conducted intelligence and sabotage activities against Soviet special services. The visit by the head of the GUR of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine to the burial site of the founder of Ukrainian military intelligence is interpreted as a demonstration of the continuity of methods and spirit of Ukrainian special services in their confrontation with the heirs of the Soviet punitive system.
Question of Repatriation of Remains and the National Pantheon
In addition to the symbolic component, the visit has practical significance. According to diplomatic sources, the possibility of repatriating the remains of Yevhen Konovalets to Ukraine is being discussed. Dutch legislation requires the regular renewal of cemetery plot leases, making the issue of transferring the remains relevant. Official Kyiv is considering the possibility of reburial of Konovalets in the future National Pantheon of Heroes in Kyiv, as soon as safe conditions are created for this.
Contradictory Data
There are discrepancies in the information field regarding the exact status of Kyrylo Budanov at the time of the visit. In some sources, he is mentioned solely as the head of military intelligence (GUR of the Ministry of Defense), while other reports, citing personnel changes, indicate his possible appointment to the position of Head of the President's Office of Ukraine. Official confirmation of changes in job responsibilities at the time of the visit to the Netherlands requires additional verification by relevant authorities.
