The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has announced the erection of a monument to Ivan Mazepa on Taras Shevchenko Boulevard in Kyiv. This move is part of the process of restoring historical justice.
- Zelenskyy announced plans to erect a monument to Mazepa.
- The monument is to be erected on Shevchenko Boulevard.
- The site has already become symbolic following the toppling of the Lenin monument.
- The unveiling of the bust of Mazepa took place at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
- Zelensky emphasised Mazepa’s significance in Ukrainian history.
A symbolic location for the monument
A monument to Ivan Mazepa may be erected on Taras Shevchenko Boulevard, where a statue of Lenin was toppled over ten years ago. The President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the unveiling of the bust of the hetman in The Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra noted that this place is ideal for a new symbol of Ukrainian history.
“I believe that the perfect spot for him does exist. It has existed on Shevchenko Boulevard since December 2013. I am certain that where Lenin fell, Mazepa will stand firm,” he emphasised.
Restoring historical justice
Zelensky emphasised the importance of the figure Ivan Mazepa for Ukraine, describing him as an outstanding statesman and patron of the arts. “Today we are righting yet another historical injustice. From now on, here at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a bust of the great Ukrainian and patron of the Lavra – Ivan Mazepa – will stand, quite rightly,” the President emphasised. According to him, Mazepa played an important role in the development of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, which calls for greater recognition of his achievements.
Discussion on the future monument
Discussions about the future of the monument have been ongoing since the Lenin monument was toppled in December 2013 during the Revolution of Dignity. Since then, the site has remained empty, and its potential for the installation of new symbols of Ukrainian history has been the subject of lively debate. Unveiling of the bust of Mazepa This was the first step in this direction, and now Kyiv may gain another important monument that reflects its national identity.
