In a powerful move to sever the lingering ties to its Soviet past, Ukraine has embarked on one of the most extensive national campaigns of monument removal in modern history. Since the full-scale invasion by Russia, Ukrainian authorities have dismantled thousands of statues and symbols glorifying the Soviet era, fundamentally reshaping the country's public landscape.
The effort, which began in earnest after the 2014 annexation of Crimea, has dramatically accelerated since February 2022. It forms a critical part of Ukraine's broader 'decommunisation' process, a legal and cultural reckoning aimed at eradicating the legacy of Russian and Soviet imperialism.
The Scale of De-Sovietisation
Official figures reveal the staggering extent of this cultural purge. Nearly 3,000 monuments dedicated to Soviet figures have been taken down, alongside the renaming of over 1,000 populated places and 50,000 streets. This isn't merely a political directive; it represents a profound societal shift in how Ukraine views its own history and identity.
The most symbolic act was the removal of the iconic 'People's Friendship' arch in Kyiv—a massive titanium sculpture gifted by the Soviet Union to commemorate the unity between Russia and Ukraine. Its dismantling sent an unmistakable message to the world.
Beyond Statues: A Cultural Reckoning
This decolonisation extends far beyond bronze and stone. Ukrainian institutions are undergoing a deep re-evaluation of their historical narratives. Museums are revising exhibits, libraries are re-categorising texts, and educational curricula are being rewritten to centre a Ukrainian perspective, free from Moscow's influence.
The campaign targets not just obvious Soviet symbols but also figures like Catherine the Great, whose imperial rule laid the groundwork for centuries of Russian dominance over Ukrainian lands. For many Ukrainians, these statues were never benign historical markers but potent symbols of oppression and cultural subjugation.
A Nation Defining Its Own Future
This monumental effort is more than a reaction to the current war; it is a proactive, defiant step toward building a distinct national future. By physically removing these symbols, Ukraine is psychologically liberating itself from the shadow of its former imperial master.
Each dismantled statue represents a stitch removed from the fabric of Soviet historical narrative, allowing Ukraine to weave a new one based on sovereignty, resilience, and its own rich heritage. This is a nation not just fighting for its territory on the battlefield, but also fiercely reclaiming its history and public space for generations to come.
