TAYANNA’s Protest Against Dormition Cathedral Restoration
Ukrainian singer TAYANNA has publicly objected to the restoration of the Dormition Cathedral within the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra complex during wartime. The cathedral, which was damaged in an attack, is a UNESCO-protected heritage site. Music critic Roman Buturlakin noted that TAYANNA’s comment on the matter was later deleted. He described the cathedral as
“a living testimony to our thousand-year history”and emphasized that
“the war is being fought for it”.
Family Dynamics and Public Reactions
Buturlakin also addressed the singer’s brother, Mykhailo Reshetnyak, known by his stage name Misha Marvin. After the full-scale invasion began, he left Russia but later resumed working with the Russian music market. TAYANNA has openly stated that she cut ties with her brother due to their differing views.
Notably, TAYANNA is a finalist in Ukraine’s Eurovision national selection and the creator of popular songs such as:
- “Fantastychna Zhinka”
- “Shkoda”
- “Lelya”
Online discussions about the cathedral’s restoration reveal a split in public opinion. Some argue that the church should not be prioritized for reconstruction, claiming it “doesn’t pay a single hryvnia in taxes to the state budget.” Others contend that restoring the cathedral is vital for Ukraine’s history and culture.
As a result, the restoration of the Dormition Cathedral continues to spark heated societal debates, with opinions sharply divided. Singer TAYANNA, her brother Misha Marvin, and music critic Roman Buturlakin have become central figures in this controversial issue. The conversation around the cathedral reflects broader social and cultural tensions in Ukraine during the war, where historical heritage and modern challenges intersect in complex ways.
As the debate over the Dormition Cathedral intensifies, other Ukrainian artists are also taking a stand against the influence of Russian culture. For instance, YAKTAK has called for a boycott of Russian music, highlighting the broader cultural shifts occurring during these challenging times. This growing movement among musicians underscores the complexities of national identity and heritage that are being reexamined amidst the ongoing conflict.