Corrosion Found on Odesa's Duc de Richelieu Statue After 1,200-Plus Sandbags Removed

De-Sheltering of the Duc de Richelieu Statue in Odesa

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: Work has begun to uncover the Duc de Richelieu monument on Odesa's Primorsky Boulevard, which had been wrapped in sandbags since March 2022 because of Russian shelling risks. Municipal crews removed more than 1,200 bags that were placed to shield the statue from blast waves and debris. Once the bronze surface was exposed, inspectors found damage and traces of corrosion, raising the possibility that the monument may need to be handed over for restoration. In the wider context, this effort underscores how Ukrainian cities are balancing wartime safety with care for cultural heritage.

The fate of the monument was discussed during an extraordinary Odesa City Council session held on 14 July. Deputy Oleh Zvyahin argued that the protective covering may itself have harmed the sculpture. The council then voted to establish a working group involving representatives from every deputy faction, as well as architects, restorers, and other relevant specialists. Deputy Svitlana Osaulenko announced the creation of this group.

Other Monument Removal Efforts

The Richelieu statue, honoring Armand Emmanuel du Plessis, Duke de Richelieu, was inaugurated in April 1828 and holds the distinction of being the first monument in Odesa, according to local media outlets such as Ukrinform and Dumskaya.

Meanwhile, in Kyiv, a phased removal of protective structures from monuments also began on 30 July. The first step involved dismantling barriers near the Lesya Ukrainka monument, with workers from Pechersk district municipal services and the INWHITE service company taking part. The action was part of Kyiv's historical monument cleanup weeks, which started just before Ukraine's Constitution Day.

According to Dumskaya, the first inspection after removing the sandbags brings cautious optimism: no fatal destruction or missing parts. Still, years under a heavy, damp cover left their mark, with the bronze now showing visible damage and corrosion.

The de-conservation of monuments in Odesa and Kyiv highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage amid today's challenges. As a defining symbol of Odesa, the Duc de Richelieu statue's restoration could mark a significant step in reviving the city's historical memory. The creation of a working group reflects a serious commitment by local authorities to address restoration needs with professional assessment and coordinated action. These efforts may also pave the way for broader beautification and restoration programs in other Ukrainian cities.

As Odesa takes steps to restore its cultural landmarks, similar efforts are underway in the capital. The phased removal of protective barriers from monuments in Kyiv began recently, highlighting a broader initiative to preserve Ukraine's historical heritage amidst ongoing conflicts. For more details on these restoration efforts, visit the process of removing protective coverings from monuments.