President Zelenskyy Directs Cabinet to Evaluate Posthumous Hero of Ukraine Title for Renowned Artist Stepan Hiha

President Zelenskyy directs the Cabinet to process the posthumous Hero of Ukraine title for legendary singer Stepan Hiha following a successful public petition.

By: AXL Media

Published: May 1, 2026, 7:55 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from the Office of the President of Ukraine and Zaxid.net.

Initiating the Highest State Commendation

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has officially moved to honor the memory of Stepan Hiha, one of Ukraine’s most celebrated cultural figures, by initiating the process for a posthumous "Hero of Ukraine" award. In a formal response to a citizen-led petition, the President expressed gratitude to the thousands of Ukrainians who advocated for this recognition, acknowledging Hiha’s profound impact on the national arts. Zelenskyy has instructed Prime Minister Y. A. Svyrydenko to oversee the administrative processing of the submission and to provide a formal proposal through the established governmental channels. This step marks the transition of the initiative from a public appeal to a formal state deliberation.

The Illustrious Career of a People’s Artist

Stepan Hiha, born in 1959 in the Zakarpattia village of Bilky, was a pillar of the Ukrainian music scene for over three decades. His career reached national prominence in 1995 with the release of his first solo album, leading to him being named a Merited Artist of Ukraine in 1998. By 2002, he was elevated to the status of People’s Artist of Ukraine, a testament to his widespread popularity and cultural significance. Throughout his career, Hiha became synonymous with a specific era of Ukrainian pop and folk-influenced music, producing enduring hits such as "Natalia’s Street" and "Gold of the Carpathians" that resonated across generations.

A Legacy Cut Short by Illness

The cultural community of Ukraine was plunged into mourning on December 12, 2025, when Stepan Hiha passed away at the age of 66. The artist died in a hospital in Lviv following a prolonged illness, leaving behind a vast discography that has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. His funeral in Lviv drew large crowds of fans and colleagues, highlighting his status as a beloved public figure whose music, including the poignant "Yavoryna" and "This Dream," provided a sense of national identity and comfort. His death late last year sparked the initial wave of public support for his posthumous elevation to the rank of Hero.