Kyiv dismantling USSR coat of arms from Ukraine's highest monument - Photos

The dismantling of the USSR coat of arms from the Motherland monument in Kyiv, the highest in Ukraine and Europe, sparked widespread discussions.

The monument is on the balance sheet of the Second World War National Historical Museum in Ukraine.

The general director of the museum, Yuri Savchuk, told Report about the reasons the coat of arms of the USSR, which collapsed 32 years ago, is being dismantled right now:

"This year marks the 50th anniversary of our museum. The main pearl of the museum is the Motherland monument, erected in 1981. The total height of the monument with a pedestal is 102 meters. The height of the pedestal is 40 meters, and the height of the statue is 62 meters. After Ukraine gained independence, the name of the museum was changed. The last time it was renamed was in 2015 and became known as the National Historical Museum of Ukraine.

The reason why the coat of arms has remained on the memorial complex so far is that the former republics that were part of the Soviet Union developed as post-Soviet states for a long time. In fact, in my opinion, all the parallels in this matter are incorrect. To make such decisions, society must mature, a new generation must grow up, and its own historical memory must be formed. In general, a serious discussion has unfolded in Ukrainian society regarding the replacement at the memorial complex. It is about the depiction on the shield, and the future fate of the monument as a whole. Ukraine is currently in the biggest war since World War II. The emblem of the former Soviet Union was depicted on the shield. It will be replaced by the national symbol of Ukraine - a three-pointed yellow spear (trident)," he added.