Kyiv has begun dismantling the protective structures placed around its monuments four years ago when Russia launched its full-scale invasion, with workers starting at the Lesia Ukrainka monument on July 30.
The city's Department of Culture announced the work, saying municipal services installed modular structures and sandbags around the capital's monuments in 2022 to reduce the risk of damage from shrapnel and blast waves. The department said the decision was necessary at the time, but the nature of Russian attacks has changed over four years.
Serhiy Anzhiyak, director of the Department of Culture, said Russia increasingly uses ballistic missiles and other powerful weapons. Under those conditions, he said, the modular structures and sandbags no longer provide adequate protection and in the event of strong blast waves could themselves cause additional mechanical damage to the monuments.
The department added that no certified structures currently exist that can guarantee protection of monuments against modern weapons.
Conditions inside the shelters have also become a concern. Poor ventilation has caused moisture to accumulate, sandbags to deteriorate, and a risk of fungal and other biological damage to develop, the department said. This threat is greatest for monuments made of marble and other natural materials.
Protective structures have already been removed from the monument to Princess Olha, and cleaning and necessary work at the Mykola Lysenko monument have been completed. The monument to the founders of Kyiv in Navodnytsky Park is next in line after the Lesia Ukrainka monument.
