Russians alter identity of occupied territories through replacement of monuments

Occupational Russian forces are systematically demolishing Ukrainian monuments in occupied areas and replacing them with others that promote Russian military might while pushing the false narrative of Ukraine’s supposed “Russian roots.”

In late January, Russian occupiers destroyed the well-known “Cossack on Watch” monument in the recently occupied town of Selydove in the Donetsk region.

Erected in 1976 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of when legendary cossack leader Selyd is said to have been one of the first settlers along the Solona River, reports OstroV. 

It was completely destroyed, with only the base left standing. The bust of the cossack was also removed.

Following occupation, Russian forces begin erasing all traces of Ukraine’s history and culture. 

They start by destroying school textbooks, followed by dismantling memorials to the 1932-1933 Holodomor famine, and monuments to prominent Ukrainian figures, replacing them with their own propaganda monuments.

In January, Russian occupiers began building a “Liberators of Donbas” memorial in Mariupol – the Donetsk region’s second most populous city that is situated along the Azov Sea coast.

This 50-meter structure, featuring Russia’s coat of arms, was personally commissioned by Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin, according to Mariupol’s city council.

“The monument will take the form of an anchor with the Russian coat of arms. Its height will reach 50 meters, equivalent to a 16-story building,” reports the Russian service of Radio Free Europe/Radio liberty.

Russian forces plan to erect a monument to so-called “journalists” in Melitopol, Zaporizhzhia region, who justify Russian war crimes and spread disinformation about the war, according to the state-run National Resistance Center.

“Russian occupation officials continue to glorify those serving imperial interests, justifying crimes and disseminating propaganda,” the report said.

These monuments serve as tools for Russian “soft power” to implant Kremlin-friendly narratives in the minds of local populations, RFE/RL reports.

“Through these efforts, Russia aims to maintain its influence over Ukrainians, even after territories are liberated,” the journalists said.