A symbol of the Russian Empire was smashed in Odesa

<span><span><span>In Odesa, vandals attacked a monument to Russian imperialism in Shevchenko Park</span></span></span>

<span><span>In Shevchenko Park, unknown persons have damaged the Alexander Column, a monument considered a symbol of Russian imperialism.</span></span>

<span><span>According to the</span></span> <span><span><span>statement</span></span></span> of<span><span> intent, the monument 's commemorative plaque and imperial coat of arms were taken away.</span></span>

<span><span>At the same time, Dumskaya writes that the damage was first noticed by employees of the Gorzelentrest while cleaning the green zone. The police were called to the scene, and an investigative team is currently working there to record the consequences and interview possible witnesses.</span></span>

<span><span></span></span> Photo: Intent

<span><span>The Alexander Column was built in 1891 in honor of Russian Emperor Alexander II. Over the years, the monument has repeatedly changed its ideological significance - it has been dedicated to Soviet figures and Russian military leaders.</span></span>

<span><span></span></span> Photo: Intent

<span><span>In 2026, the monument was removed from the state register of monuments, which opened the possibility of its dismantling under the laws on decolonization.</span></span>

<span><span>The Odesa City Council has so far stated that no decision has been made on the fate of the damaged monument.</span></span>

<span><span></span></span> Photo: Intent

The monument is built on the remains of St. Andrew's Bastion (an earthen rampart) of the border fortress of Hadzhibey, which was built on this site in 1793-1794 and was canceled in 1811 "as it was recognized as incapable of defense" as the border of the Empire moved further to the southeast. In order to allow the imperial carriage to drive to the top of the rampart, it was supplemented with a ramp built specifically for this purpose, which has been preserved to this day.

After the Bolsheviks came to power, the monument was repeatedly remodeled. Monomakh's hat was removed, along with the symbols of autocracy and pre-Bolshevik Russia - a two-headed eagle, a crown, a sword, a scepter, a rod, and dedicatory inscriptions, including the name of the project's author, sculptor M. I. The column was draped with red cloth, and a red flag was raised on a flagpole installed nearby. The monument was declared dedicated to the Third International, as the inscription and the bas-relief of Karl Marx installed on the monument indicated. The grand opening took place on June 18, 1920.

In 2012, reconstruction began to restore the monument to its original appearance. Thanks to the efforts of the city's residents and patrons, the reconstruction of the monument was completed in 2012 and timed to coincide with the City Day, which is celebrated in Odesa on September 2.

Андрій Колісніченко