Monument to Hetman Ivan Mazepa to Be Erected
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has unveiled plans to install a monument to Hetman Ivan Mazepa at the site where a statue of Lenin was toppled in 2013 on Taras Shevchenko Boulevard in Kyiv. This initiative is part of a broader effort to honor Ukraine’s historical legacy. As Zelenskyy stated,
“I am confident: where Lenin fell, Mazepa will stand firmly”.
Bust of Ivan Mazepa and Street Renaming
A bust of Ivan Mazepa, created by artists Oles Sydoruk and Borys Krylov, is scheduled to be unveiled in December 2025 on the grounds of the National Kyiv Pechersk Lavra Reserve. The bust symbolizes recognition of the hetman’s contributions to the Ukrainian people. The president emphasized the significance of this event, declaring:
“Today we are correcting 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 rightfully stand”.
Additionally, in the Pechersk district, a section of Lavrska Street has been renamed in honor of Hetman Ivan Mazepa. Another part of Lavrska Street has been restored to its historical name, Novonavodnytska Street, reflecting the government’s efforts to restore historical justice and commemorate prominent figures in Ukrainian history. These measures are part of a state policy aimed at strengthening national identity and honoring the country’s cultural heritage.
The installation of the Ivan Mazepa monument, along with the street renaming, underscores Ukraine’s drive to reclaim its historical memory and highlights the importance of national identity in the modern era. These steps may also help shape a positive image of Ukraine internationally by acknowledging its historical heroes. Honoring figures like Mazepa can bolster patriotic sentiment among citizens and spark greater interest in Ukrainian history among younger generations.
In addition to the upcoming monument, President Zelenskyy has recently proposed a bill for a unified memorial site, aiming to establish a comprehensive National Pantheon in Ukraine. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to recognizing and honoring the country's historical figures. For more insights into this significant legislative move, you can read about the National Pantheon proposal and its implications for Ukraine's cultural heritage.