Ukrainian city of Odesa takes down monuments to Catherine the Great, Russian general

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Ukraine’s port city of Odesa has taken down monuments to two Russian heroes, including Catherine the Great, 10 months into the war to push back forces from their giant eastern neighbor.

The monuments, including giant statues, were taken down under a Nov. 30 decision by the city council, which also posted pictures of the process on its Telegram account.

The monument to Catherine the Great – known as the “founder of Odesa,” as the city was founded in 1794, under her reign – has suffered vandalism since the war began on Feb. 24.

Under the city council decision, the monument to Catherine II, as well as one honoring 18th century Russian Gen. Alexander Suvorov, are headed to the Odesa Fine Arts Museum, said a statement late Wednesday.

The war began amid claims that Ukraine was actually part of Russia, but the ongoing conflict has meant a diminished affinity for Russian culture, language, and history among Ukrainians, according to observers.