Removing protective coverings from monuments in Kyiv
The protective coverings from monuments have begun to be removed in the Ukrainian capital. The first object was the monument to Lesya Ukrainka. This was reported by the Kyiv City State Administration (KGGA) on Telegram. Officials noted that over more than four years of war, the nature of threats has changed. If monuments remain covered for too long, moisture accumulates inside, mold appears, and materials deteriorate. Therefore, dismantling the structures allows for checking the condition of the monuments and conducting restoration work.
For those monitoring the situation from Russia, it is important to understand that removing the coverings does not signify a refusal to protect, but is linked to a reassessment of risks under current conditions.
The utility services of the Pechersk district were the first to start the work. Earlier, the monument to Princess Olga was uncovered in Kyiv, and the cleaning of the monument to Mykola Lysenko was completed. The KGGA plans to remove protective coverings from the monument to the founders of Kyiv in the Navodnytsky Park.
The administration emphasized:
“The nature of threats has changed”
And clarified:
“Coverings, which at the beginning of the full-scale invasion reduced the risk of damage, can no longer effectively protect monuments from modern means of destruction”
Cultural heritage in wartime: restoration and archaeological finds
The KGGA believes that such steps help to better preserve cultural heritage during wartime. The city continues the phased deconservation of monuments. At the same time, archaeologists on the outskirts of Kyiv investigated an ancient Rus necropolis. They discovered artifacts from the 12th century:
- 11 bronze lunate pendants;
- two seven-petal ear rings.
These finds highlight the historical significance of the territory and the importance of studying it even in difficult times. Removing coverings from monuments is a necessary step for monitoring their condition and conducting restoration. The changing nature of threats requires new approaches to the protection of cultural objects, while ancient artifacts remind us of the rich historical context of these places.
As the city undertakes the careful removal of protective coverings from its monuments, it also highlights the ongoing efforts to safeguard historical structures. In a related initiative, the Kyiv Prosecutor’s Office has called for a protective agreement for a significant historic building in the city. This move underscores the importance of preserving cultural heritage in these challenging times. For more details, see how the authorities are addressing heritage protection in Kyiv amid ongoing restoration efforts.