Activists in Odesa Hold Protest at Pushkin Monument
Today, April 13, Odesa activists demonstrated at the monument of the Russian poet Alexander Pushkin, placing a sign reading «Looking for a bulldozer» and symbolically hanging a noose on it.
The video of the event sparked outrage among some locals, who questioned whether there were more pressing issues at hand.
The outcome of the confrontation remains unclear.
According to Kateryna Musienko, head of the youth organization «We Make You Nervous», the activists aimed to «prepare the Pushkin monument for Easter», emphasizing the importance of eliminating colonial symbols.
«We adhere to Ukrainian Easter traditions by removing all unnecessary items from our homes!», – she posted on Facebook.
Kateryna also stated that «the history of occupation should be studied in museums, not on the streets».
She believes that monuments representing colonial history have no place in Ukrainian cities.
According to her, the city council should fulfill its duties regarding the monument's demolition instead of merely renovating its facade and planting flower beds around it.
«Let's work together to help find the equipment needed to dismantle this symbol of the «Russian world» in the center of Odesa!», – urged Musienko.