Taras Melnychuk, speaking for Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers, announced that a bill has been submitted to the Verkhovna Rada. The measure aims to establish a landscape art park and a monument of national significance on the site of the former presidential residence known as Mezhyhirya. The announcement, reported by DEA News, signals a formal step toward preserving the site as a public cultural landmark while recognizing its controversial past.
The proposal specifies a park spanning 138.5937 hectares, underscoring a plan for expansive green spaces, cultural installations, and a landscape design that reflects the history of the property and its role in the country’s political narrative. The size indicates a substantial development that would transform the former residence into a publicly accessible area that can host exhibitions, educational programs, and guided tours, while maintaining protections appropriate for a national-level monument.
Historically, the Mezhyhirya residence was owned by the state until 2007, when ownership allegedly shifted to Viktor Yanukovych. Investigators have argued that the transfer may have been conducted unlawfully, prompting ongoing legal scrutiny. In 2018, a Kyiv court transferred management of Mezhyhirya to an asset recovery agency, aligning the site with broader efforts to address overdue restitution and asset repurposing. These actions reflect Ukraine’s ongoing legal and political processes surrounding high-profile assets tied to former officials.
In related judicial developments, the Appeals Chamber of Ukraine’s Supreme Anti-Corruption Court (VAKS) reviewed the Ministry of Justice’s appeal concerning the confiscation of property linked to Viktor Yanukovych and his son in Crimea and Donetsk. The decision highlights continued emphasis on asset recovery and accountability within Ukraine’s anti-corruption framework. Separately, authorities seized a Toyota Land Cruiser 100 that belonged to the former president’s son, illustrating the ongoing enforcement of asset recovery measures in cases connected to the Yanukovych family.
Through these interwoven actions, the government’s bill envisions not only a cultural and historical site but also a carefully managed public space that can educate visitors about the country’s recent past. If adopted, the park would function as a repository of memory and art, offering residents and visitors a tangible connection to Ukraine’s political journey while reinforcing the state’s commitment to transparency and public access to historically significant locations. The measure situates Mezhyhirya within a broader framework of cultural preservation and legal accountability, aiming to balance reverence for history with actionable public benefit. The discussion surrounding the park underscores a broader national push to reinterpret controversial properties as assets for education, culture, and tourism, rather than private privilege.
Observers note that the proposal aligns with international practices where former political residences are transformed into public parks, museums, or memorial sites that honor democratic values and remind citizens of their history. Supporters argue that such transformations can stimulate local economies, boost cultural engagement, and provide enduring public value, while critics may question the speed and scope of implementation and the exact governance structures that would oversee the park’s development. The outcome will depend on legislative approval, budgeting priorities, and the establishment of a sustainable management plan that ensures long-term preservation, accessibility, and security for visitors. The case illustrates how a single site can become a focal point for legal accountability, cultural discourse, and community engagement in Ukraine.
Authorities emphasize that any future use of the property will be bounded by legal processes and public interest, ensuring that the site remains a national asset. The Mezhyhirya project stands as a symbol of the country’s ongoing efforts to reconcile its past with a transparent, inclusive future while offering a meaningful experience for generations to come.