On February 26, 2025, the city of Poltava made headlines with the demolition of the monument to Russian Emperor Peter I, marking another significant step in Ukraine's cultural decolonization efforts. This decision, announced by acting mayor Yekaterina Yamshikova, was carried out according to the directives of the Ukrainian Ministry of Culture and Information Policy.
The monument, which was positioned near the Museum of the History of the Battle of Poltava, has been associated with memories of past Russian imperialism, particularly as the battle itself was pivotal, concluding the Northern War with defeat for Sweden and promoting the power of the Russian Empire. "This is not an act of vandalism, but a conscious and responsible action of society, which is freeing itself from Russian imperial markers," Yamshikova clarified, emphasizing the necessity to rid the cultural space of vestiges linked to imperial narratives.
Installed originally in 1950 and crafted in 1915, the statue has long been part of the city’s identity. It stood as both tribute and reminder of the polarizing power dynamics entrenched within Ukrainian historical memory. With Ukraine's recent history particularly sensitive to such symbols, the decision to remove the statue aligns with the broader post-2022 policy shifts toward derussification. This is especially pertinent as the country seeks to establish its own historical narrative independent of Russian influence.
Yamshikova asserted, “Our future belongs to Ukrainian heroes and European figures!" Such comments reflect the city's determination to reject the myths imposed by imperial histories, framing this move not just as local governance but as part of a nationwide ambition to reshape cultural landscapes significantly compromised by Soviet legacies.
This demolition is part of comprehensive legislative and executive actions, including the renaming of thousands of locations across Ukraine. These include major cities like Dnipro and Kropyvnytskyi, formerly known as Dnipropetrovsk and Kirovograd. Each of these relocations and removals echoes the broader decolonization strategy, which includes the dismantling of monuments, memorials, and other imposed symbols directly linked to Russian and Soviet heritage.
The historical background of the monument is also significant; the Battle of Poltava, fought on June 27, 1709, solidified Peter I's legacy as the architect of Russian military might and imperial ambition. This was not just a victory over Sweden but a key event leading to Russia asserting more control over Eastern and Northern Europe. The decision to eradicate such symbols indicates the depth of commitment to changing the current narrative of Ukrainian history - one where imperial glory is replaced with local heroes and European affiliations.
The driving force behind these changes is rooted within legislative frameworks. For example, laws passed by the Ukrainian parliament and recommendations by various cultural committees have instituted significant reviews and removals of objects and titles associated with Russian imperialism. Significant timelines have been established, including the parliamentary directive providing deadlines for all removal and renaming procedures to be completed by March 2025.
Even before the monumental removal, Poltava city officials began discussions on the future of other monuments and their roles within the historical narrative. Following the Ukrainian parliament's committee meeting held onsite, several national strategies have been developed for the continued decolonization of public spaces throughout the country. According to Yamshikova, these actions stand as public commitment to shaping how history is remembered, ensuring it aligns with contemporary Ukrainian values and identities.
While some residents may mourn the loss of the monument, viewing it as part of their town's history, many support these actions as statements of independence and identity. This reflects a deepening sentiment among Ukrainians for sovereignty and the reclamation of their cultural and historical narratives free of external influence.
Therefore, as the dust settles on this recent demolition, it symbolizes much more than just the physical dismantling of stone; it signifies the shifting tides of identity for Ukraine, leaving the imprint of history behind and stepping firmly toward the future defined by its own heroes and narratives.