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The concept of monuments, whether commemorating events or individuals, plays a crucial role in cultural identity and political expression. Recently, a striking memorial named 'Bitter Childhood Memories' was unveiled in Charlottetown, Canada, commemorating the victims of the 1932–1933 Holodomor, marking the first of its kind in the Atlantic region. In Ukraine, the ongoing conflict has led to the damage or destruction of nearly 2,000 cultural heritage sites. Notably, a monument to freedom fighters in Ivano-Frankivsk suffered damage due to a Russian drone attack. These events highlight the significant impact of geopolitical tensions on cultural landmarks. Furthermore, political symbolism is manifested in Kyiv, where proposals for a monument to Ivan Mazepa aim to replace the former Lenin statue, signifying a shift in historical narrative and national identity amid the current geopolitical landscape.
What is the significance of the new Holodomor memorial in Canada?
The Holodomor memorial in Charlottetown, Canada, commemorates the victims of the 1932–1933 famine in Ukraine. This tragedy resulted from Soviet policies and is seen as an act of genocide. Unveiling this monument marks Canada's recognition and education of the tragic events, thus promoting awareness and solidarity with Ukraine's historical struggle. It stands as a testament to the resilience of the Ukrainian people and symbolizes the broader diaspora's commitment to preserving memory and history.
How have recent events in Ukraine affected its cultural heritage?
Recent events, notably due to the war, have seen severe impacts on Ukraine's cultural heritage. Reports indicate that Russia has damaged or destroyed around 2,000 cultural heritage sites, affecting monuments, museums, and other historical sites. This destruction represents not just a loss of physical structures, but also a threat to cultural identity and history. The damage underscores the broader conflict's impact on heritage and underscores the urgent need for cultural preservation amidst war. Local and international efforts are continuing to document and protect what remains, preserving history for future generations.
What is the historical significance of Ivan Mazepa's proposed monument in Kyiv?
Ivan Mazepa was a significant figure in Ukrainian history, known for his opposition to Russian influence and efforts to ally Ukraine with Western Europe. The proposal to erect a monument in his honor at the site of a former Lenin statue in Kyiv is symbolic. It signifies a reclaiming of Ukrainian history from Soviet narratives and highlights a shift towards national autonomy and pride. This planned monument represents the ongoing reevaluation of historical figures and events, aligning with Ukraine’s current geopolitical stance and desire for cultural reconstruction.
How are monuments used in political expressions in Ukraine's current context?
In Ukraine, monuments have become symbols of political expression, rebellion, and cultural identity. Amid the conflict, dismantling Soviet monuments signifies rejecting past oppressions and aligning with modern nationalistic values. Conversely, erecting monuments to Ukrainian heroes like Oleksandr Matsiievsky highlights the national narrative of bravery and resistance against Russian aggression. This dynamic reflects broader societal transformations, as communities seek to reevaluate historical narratives and assert sovereignty through public art and memorials, making them focal points of political discourse and cultural identity.
What has been the impact of the war on cultural sites in Ukraine?
The war in Ukraine has profoundly impacted cultural sites, with estimates of around 2,000 sites being damaged or destroyed. This includes monuments, museums, memorials, and historically significant structures. Such losses erode cultural identity and heritage, making recovery challenging. Efforts are in place to document and, where possible, restore such sites, but the scope of the damage is extensive. The cultural toll of the conflict underscores the broader human and historical cost, with heritage preservation becoming increasingly crucial to retain cultural narratives and memory for future generations.
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Canada has unveiled first memorial in Atlantic region to victims of Holodomor. VIDEO+PHOTOS A memorial entitled ‘Bitter Childhood Memories’, dedicated to the victims of the 1932–1933 Holodomor, has been unveiled in the Canadian city of Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island. This is the first monument commemorating this tragedy in Canada’s Atlantic region. 1 327 6
Debris from Russian drone damaged monument to freedom fighters in Ivano-Frankivsk. PHOTO Mykhailo Smushak, Deputy Mayor of Ivano-Frankivsk, has reported that the monument to the freedom fighters was damaged as a result of the Russian attack on 11 October. 1 669 1 Previously in trend: Shelling of Ivano-Frankivsk region
Braun, Polish ultranationalist, smashed UPA monument at Ukrainian gravesite in Poland with sledgehammer and boasted about it on social media. VIDEO Grzegorz Braun, leader of the Polish party ‘Confederation of the Polish Crown’, damaged a granite obelisk at a Ukrainian burial site in Poland with a sledgehammer. The politician himself released a video showing him smashing the names of the deceased engraved on the stone. 12 821 103 Previously in trend: Anti-Ukrainian statements in Poland
Monument to Hero of Ukraine Pavlo Petrychenko was unveiled at Askold’s Grave in Kyiv. PHOTO A monument to Pavlo Petrychenko, a soldier, volunteer and community activist, has been unveiled at Askold’s Grave in Kyiv. The soldier was killed on 15 April 2024 whilst carrying out a combat mission. 3 040 3 Previously in trend: Honoring fallen soldiers
"Mother Ukraine" monument illuminated with audiovisual art installation for Independence Day. PHOTOS The audiovisual art installation "The Future Remembers" by lighting designer Mykola Kabluka was unveiled on Kyiv’s "Mother Ukraine" monument. The project was created for Ukraine’s Independence Day. 3 761 24 Previously in trend: Independence Day
Russia has damaged or destroyed nearly 2,000 cultural heritage sites in Ukraine, - Ministry of Culture As a result of Russia’s full-scale aggression in Ukraine, 1,949 cultural heritage sites have been damaged or destroyed. 354 6 Previously in trend: Cultural heritage protection
"Where Lenin fell, Mazepa will stand firm" – Zelenskyy initiates erection of monument to hetman in centre of Kyiv. PHOTO The site where a statue of Lenin was dismantled over ten years ago could become the location for a new historical symbol. It is here that there are proposals to erect a monument to Ivan Mazepa. 12 145 126 Previously in trend: Anticommunist laws
Bulgakov monument dismantled on Andriivskyi Descent in Kyiv. VIDEO A monument to Russian and Soviet writer Mikhail Bulgakov has been dismantled on Andriivskyi Descent in Kyiv. The sculpture was removed by municipal services. 10 465 237 Previously in trend: Dismantling monuments
Monuments to Shevchenko, Bykov and the Chornobyl liquidators are being evacuated from Kramatorsk. PHOTO In Kramatorsk, Donetsk Oblast, the evacuation of cultural heritage is underway – the city is temporarily relocating three monuments to safer regions to protect them from possible attacks by Russian forces. 3 478 10
In 2025, Russia damaged 307 monuments and 261 cultural infrastructure objects in Ukraine, - Ministry of Culture Throughout 2025, Ukraine suffered significant losses in the cultural sphere as a result of Russian armed aggression. 603 0 Previously in trend: Cultural heritage protection
DIU expresses its gratitude: monument to legendary "Baba Yaga" drone unveiled in Vyshneve, Kyiv region. PHOTOS On 23 December 2025, a monument to the legendary drone "Baba Yaga", which became a symbol of horror for the occupiers during the Russian-Ukrainian war, was unveiled in the city of Vyshneve in the Kyiv region. 4 550 11 Previously in trend: Baba Yaga Drone Monument
Facade of museum at foot of "Motherland Monument" was damaged in night attack. PHOTO Today, on 6 June 2025, during a massive Russian attack at night, a blast wave damaged the facade of the Museum's main building at the foot of the "Motherland monument". 4 959 6
"Infantry" memorial unveiled near Arch of Freedom of Ukrainian People in Kyiv. PHOTOS A memorial sign titled "INFANTRY" has been unveiled near the Arch of Freedom of the Ukrainian People in Kyiv. This is the first element of the future Alley of Ukraine’s Defenders. 3 106 11
Occupiers plan to erect monument to propagandists in Melitopol who justify Russia’s crimes - NRC In Melitopol, Zaporizhzhia region, the Russian occupation administration decided to "honor" the so-called journalists who work to justify the Kremlin's crimes. 1 910 16
MP Boiko makes statement about "radicals who rename cities and demolish monuments" and stands up for Russian language. VIDEO MP Yurii Boiko, who heads the "Platform for Life and Peace", posted a video on social media in which he spoke about "radicals" who "rename cities and demolish monuments". 32 662 337
Monument to Dmytro Kotsiubailo unveiled at Askold’s Grave in Kyiv. PHOTOS On the Day of Dignity and Freedom, a monument to the Hero of Ukraine Dmytro Kotsiubailo ("Da Vinci") was unveiled at Askold's Grave in Kyiv. 6 544 6
Monuments to Pushkin and Lermontov dismantled in Kryvyi Rih. PHOTOS Monuments to Russian poets Mikhail Lermontov and Alexander Pushkin were dismantled in Kryvyi Rih. 2 772 50
Monument to Chekhov was destroyed in Sloviansk: Authorities appeal to law enforcement. PHOTOS In Sloviansk, Donetsk region, a monument to Russian writer Anton Chekhov was destroyed. It was thrown off its pedestal on Central Street. 4 657 34
Monument to Pushkin to be demolished in Odesa, all relevant orders were signed - RMA The monument to the Russian poet Alexander Pushkin will finally be dismantled in Odesa. Odesa residents have been demanding this decision from the local authorities for a long time. 6 771 201
Lenin monument in Sudzha is damaged but still standing - BBC. PHOTO The monument to Soviet tyrant Vladimir Lenin in the city of Sudzha, Kursk region, Russia, is still standing. Earlier, the media reported that it had been demolished. 19 838 64
Monument to Lenin is demolished in Sudzha, Kursk region. PHOTO A monument to Soviet tyrant Vladimir Lenin was demolished in the Russian city of Sudzha, which is controlled by the Ukrainian military. 12 982 64
In Mariupol, occupiers erected monument to Russian soldier who killed civilians. PHOTO In the temporarily occupied Mariupol, Russian invaders erected a monument to Eduard Dyakonov, a murderer of local residents who took part in the occupation of the city. 10 139 24
In Luhansk, Russians demolish monuments to "Victims of Stalin’s repressions" and "Victims of Holodomor" The occupiers demolished memorial signs to the Victims of Stalinist Repression and the Victims of the Holodomor in Luhansk. 5 007 20
"We remember! The Heavenly Hundred" - a commemoration of the fallen on February 18, 2014 was held in Kyiv. VIDEO&PHOTOS On 18 February, an action was held to honour the memory of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes. Ten years ago on this day, the security forces announced the start of a "cleansing" of Maidan and began to storm the tent city, and late in the evening, the Trade Union Building caught fire. In total, 17 protesters were killed during the clashes on that day, and 14 others were fatally injured and died the next day or later. 6 695 47 Previously in trend: Revolution of Dignity anniversary
Monument to Hero of Ukraine Oleksandr Matsiievskyi, who was shot by occupiers for saying "Glory to Ukraine," unveiled in Kyiv. PHOTOS Today, on December 6, the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a monument to Hero of Ukraine Oleksandr Matsiievskyi was unveiled in Kyiv. 20 797 55
Residents of two villages in Prykarpattia refuse to dismantle Soviet monuments. PHOTO Residents of two villages in the Ivano-Frankivsk region spoke out against the demolition of Soviet monuments bearing the names of occupiers killed by UPA soldiers. 14 524 63
Monument to Hero of Ukraine Oleksandr Matsiievskyi, who was shot by ruscists for saying "Glory to Ukraine!", was installed in Nizhyn. PHOTOS The monument to Oleksandr Matsiievskyi became the centerpiece of a memorial in honor of Ukrainian defenders who died in battles against the Russian occupiers. 14 078 21 Previously in trend: War
Cabinet of Ministers has adopted decision that allows dismantling of monuments to Pushkin, Shchors and Vatutin - Ministry of Culture The government has decided to remove monuments to the Russian writer Alexander Pushkin, the Bolshevik leader Nikolai Shchors, as well as other Russian and Soviet figures from the State Register of Immovable Monuments of Cultural Heritage of National Importance. 3 558 113
Blast wave from russian attack damaged box with monument to Catherine II in Odesa. PHOTO The blast wave from the Russian missile bent the metal box in which the dismantled monument to the Russian Empress Catherine II is kept. 7 718 35
In Zaporizhzhia, monument to Pushkin finally dismantled. VIDEO&PHOTOS. VIDEO&PHOTOS On 31 October, the dismantling of the remains of the bust of Russian writer Alexander Pushkin was completed in Zaporizhzhia. 4 195 48 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine
Monument to Hero of Ukraine Oleksandr Matsievsky, who was shot by Russians for saying "Glory to Ukraine!" was erected in Tbilisi.. PHOTO A monument to the Hero of Ukraine Oleksandr Matsiyevsky, who was shot dead by the Russian occupiers for saying "Glory to Ukraine", was erected in Georgia. 22 427 41 Previously in trend: War
Trident began to be mounted on Motherland. PHOTOS A trident was delivered to Motherland monument in Kyiv and installed to replace dismantled Soviet coat of arms. 11 462 135
Memorial sign to fallen soldiers of Ukrainian Navy unveiled in Kyiv. PHOTOS Today, on 3 July, a memorial sign in honour of Ukrainian Navy servicemen who fell in war with Russia was unveiled in Seamen’s Park in Kyiv. 3 297 4
Monument to Shevchenko shot by Russians was restored in Chernihiv region. PHOTO In the village of Martynivka, Parafiivka community, Chernihiv region, a monument to Taras Shevchenko, which was shot by Russian invaders, was restored. 3 823 6
Installation symbolizing resilience and faith of Ukrainian prisoners of war from Azovstal opened in Kyiv. VIDEO&PHOTOS. VIDEO&PHOTOS An installation symbolising resilience and faith about the prisoners of war of Azovstal’s defenders has appeared in Kyiv. 6 120 14 Previously in trend: War
Occupiers destroyed or damaged more than 550 objects of cultural heritage In Ukraine, there are more than 130,000 objects of cultural heritage on the state register, at the same time, more than 550 objects were destroyed or damaged as a result of Russian aggression. 644 0
In Bulgaria, vandals defaced monument to Shevchenko: Ukrainian embassy demands investigation. PHOTO The Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Bulgaria condemned the act of vandalism against the monument to Taras Shevchenko in the center of Sofia and appealed to the competent authorities of the country to conduct an investigation and prosecute the customers and executors. 3 335 19
Tokayev banned erection of monuments to Soviet figures in Kazakhstan The President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, instructed to stop erecting monuments to figures of the USSR with fictional biographies. 6 657 36
Almost 70% of Kyiv residents and 65% of displaced people support decision of Kyiv city authorities to demolish Soviet monuments, poll. INFOGRAPHICS Almost 70% of Kyiv residents consider the Kyiv city government’s decision to dismantle the monuments to Vatutin, Chkalov and other Soviet figures to be correct. 1 935 23
Landmark Soviet-era monument was dismantled in Dnipro On January 4, the Soviet monument to Yukhim Pushkin, known as "Tank", was dismantled in Dnipro. 8 291 45 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine
Monument to Pushkin was demolished in Kramatorsk. PHOTOS Oleksandr Honcharenko, the mayor of Kramatorsk, Donetsk region, showed a photo of the dismantling of the bust of the Russian poet Alexander Pushkin. 3 778 26 Previously in trend: War
Demolition of monument to Catherine II started in Odesa. VIDEO The monument to Russian Tsarina Catherine II is being dismantled in Odesa. 6 801 56
Catherine II monument dismantled in Odesa. PHOTOS From the morning of December 28, the monument to Catherine the Second in Odessa began to be dismantled. 12 284 95
Monument to Skovoroda unveiled in Washington. PHOTOS A sculpture dedicated to Ukrainian philosopher Hryhorii Skovoroda appeared in central Washington. 5 561 12
Monument to Pushkin in Kharkiv has been dismantled - city council. PHOTO A bust of the Russian poet Alexander Pushkin was dismantled in Kharkiv. Its future fate will be decided by the townspeople after Ukraine’s victory in the war. 11 109 60
Odesa City Council is preparing monument to Catherine II for dismantling, - "Dumskaya". PHOTOS The Odesa City Council explained that the monument to Catherine II was surrounded by a fence and covered with black polyethylene in preparation for dismantling. 9 294 122
Monument to Catherine II in Odesa was hidden in black bag. VIDEO&PHOTOS. VIDEO&PHOTOS The Odesa monument to the Russian empress Catherine II was surrounded by a fence. The sculpture itself was wrapped in a black bag. 11 190 50
Suvorov’s monument in Izmail will be moved to museum Deputies of the Izmail city council voted to move the monument to Russian general Oleksandr Suvorov to the museum. 37 deputies voted for moving the monument in order to rid the city of its imperial past. 1 868 20
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