Catherine the Great being dismantled in Odesa”/>A statue of Russian empress Catherine the Great, the founder of odesa, was among the first to be dismantled [Getty images]
Odesa is undergoing a intentional effort to dismantle its Russian and Soviet legacy, driven by Oleh Kiper, the head of the Odesa Regional Military Governance. this initiative aligns with Ukraine’s 2023 Law on Decolonisation, aimed at removing symbols of Russian imperial influence from public spaces across the country. The law mandates the renaming of locations and the removal of monuments linked to Russia’s past.
Decolonization Efforts in Odesa
The removal of a statue of Catherine the Great, the founder of Odesa, marked a significant step in this process. Streets formerly named after Russian and Soviet figures have been renamed; Pushkin Street is now Italian Street, and Catherine Street is now European Street. Reuters reported on the removal of the Catherine the Great statue in December 2023. Kiper is also actively promoting the increased use of the Ukrainian language in a city where Russian remains widely spoken.
Addressing Resistance and National Identity
Kiper acknowledges resistance from residents who cherish Odesa’s multicultural heritage. Though, he maintains a firm stance, arguing that Russia’s actions – particularly its ongoing invasion of Ukraine – necessitate a clear break from the past. he asserts that Russia is actively attempting to undermine Ukrainian identity within the city, and that thes decolonization efforts are a response to that threat.
“The enemy is doing far more than we are to ensure that a Russian-speaking city becomes ukrainian,” Kiper stated, emphasizing the need for Odesa’s population to critically assess Russia’s intentions.
Ongoing Challenges and Russian Attacks
As of late December 2023, Odesa experienced a month of partial blackouts due to Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure. The Guardian reported that air raid alerts were frequent, lasting for hours at a time. The port of Chernomorsk, near Odesa, was hit by a ballistic missile, causing injuries to a civilian ship crew member.
These attacks underscore Russia’s determination to cripple Odesa, particularly if it cannot control the city. The ongoing conflict highlights the strategic importance of Odesa as a key port and a symbol of Ukrainian identity.
Additional reporting by Liubov Sholudko