‘Another attempt to rewrite history’: in Kyiv, all Soviet monuments within the territory of the Second World War history museum are being dismantled

The National Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II in Kyiv is dismantling all monuments from the Soviet era.

This was announced by the museum’s press service on its Facebook page.

“The plans include a complete change of the architectural landscape: the dismantling of all monuments and elements of Soviet propaganda,” the statement said.

In particular, the imminent dismantling of the bas-relief “The Battle of Kursk” was announced at the museum.

It is worth noting that the entire memorial complex around the museum consists of Soviet sculptural groups dedicated to various periods of the war. These include the Battle of the Dnieper, laborers, underground fighters, partisans, and victims of the Nazi occupation.

According to the museum’s management, it is “confidently moving towards becoming a place of memory, tribute, and glorification of all fighters for the freedom and independence of the Ukrainian people and state.” In other words, it seems to be moving away from its original purpose.

Many criticized this initiative in the comments.

“Is the struggle in World War II now some kind of shame? Shame on destroying our cultural heritage. And instead of this, what? Will you paint a mural with Bandera?” one commentator asks.

“I am ashamed of you and what you are doing. In many countries in Europe and beyond, heroes who fought against Nazism in World War II are honored. Ukraine lost 10 million people in that war, just to have the memory of their feat destroyed now. Shame,” write other users.

“I don’t remember any monuments or ‘elements of propaganda’ on the museum’s premises. If we’re talking about the composition ‘Crossing of the Dnieper,’ then it’s logical that such a monument is placed in a World War II museum. And no law classifies it as Soviet symbolism or propaganda,” one comment says.

“During World War II, Ukraine lost about 9 million people. Instead of focusing on decommunization of Soviet symbolism with the expert community, you’re talking about ‘dismantling.’ This is untimely, especially considering that Ukrainians, unfortunately, participated in World War II on various sides, including the Red Army. As a resident of Kyiv, as an admirer of architecture, I don’t understand this decision,” commenters write.