On June 19, during a working trip to Odesa, the Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine, Mykola Tochitsky, visited the Kuyalnik Cemetery — the largest preserved Cossack cemetery in Ukraine, located on the Hadybij Road.

This site stands as a vivid testament to the resilience of the Ukrainian spirit. After the fall of the Zaporizhzhia Sich, Cossacks moved here, finding their eternal rest. It is the final resting place for those who refused to yield to the empire and chose to remain on their native land. The oldest grave dates back to 1791.

Approximately 200 authentic stone crosses, carved from local limestone, still stand on the cemetery grounds. They bear inscriptions in Church Slavonic and Ukrainian, featuring names of Zaporizhzhia colonels, osavuls, and Cossack surnames, all holding significant historical value.

“Each cross here is not merely a sign of mourning. It is a stone testament to the strength of the Ukrainian spirit and loyalty, — emphasized the Minister. — It is the duty of the state to protect these monuments and ensure that the memory of our ancestors endures for future generations.”

This cultural heritage site has been granted the status of a local historical monument. Currently, it is the only cemetery in the Odesa region that is officially recognized and has protective status. The Minister highlighted the importance of systematic protection for such sites, including the establishment of protective signage and engaging local communities in heritage preservation.

Odesa region is home to several Cossack cemeteries, including:

• The Great Usatov Cemetery in the village of Usatove — the burial site of Zaporizhzhia and Black Sea Cossacks featuring unique crosses;
• The Cossack cemetery in the village of Hlyboke in the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi district — a historical burial site of Budjak Cossacks, which is rapidly eroding due to lack of protection;
• Notable Cossack burials are also found in the villages of Nerubaiske, Kyslytsia, Sychavka, and others.

It is worth noting that Mykola Tochitsky held a meeting with leaders of cultural institutions and artistic education in Odesa.