Renaming of Dozens of Russian-Linked Streets and Symbols in Zaporizhzhia
In Zaporizhzhia, a city under Ukrainian administration, officials report that roughly 70 streets, squares, and lanes have undergone name changes to distance the urban landscape from Russian or Soviet associations. The announcement came through the city council’s Telegram channel and was attributed to Anatoliy Kurtev, the secretary of the city council.
Kurtev stated that the derussification effort has led to the renaming of about seventy public spaces. He emphasized that the aim is to ensure nothing in the city remains tied to Russian or Soviet heritage. The reforms are described as ongoing, with new proposals presented during each regular city council session. The process prioritizes recognizing the defenders and heroes of Zaporizhzhia and Ukraine when selecting new names.
Meanwhile, in nearby Kremenchuk, officials in the Poltava region opted to remove panels that carried Russian symbolism from the city. On August 15, the largest panel of these elements, located on Sobornaya Street, was dismantled and the building floors it occupied were cleared. The plan includes removing references to Soviet-era publications and replacing the Soviet flag with the Ukrainian flag, signaling a broader shift in public symbols and national identity.
In related cultural news, Yuriy Savchuk, the Director General of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II, commented on the potential renaming of a prominent monument in Kyiv. He suggested that the monument commonly known as the Motherland could be referred to with a name emphasizing Ukrainian heritage, reflecting ongoing discussions about memory and national symbolism.
Earlier in the year, Ukraine’s National lawmaking bodies advanced a policy aimed at renaming public place names associated with the Russian Federation. The broader legal framework seeks to standardize and accelerate the removal of Russian-linked nomenclature across the country. This policy stance aligns with earlier moves by Ukrainian lawmakers who introduced terminology underscoring national identity and sovereignty, while governments at various levels continue practical steps to implement the changes in public spaces. The framing of these initiatives underscores the emphasis on aligning civic space with national history and contemporary values.
Experts note that the renaming process encompasses both streets and broader urban identifiers, reflecting a concerted effort to reshape how history is presented in public settings. The ongoing discussions indicate that changes are likely to continue as administrations assess new proposals that honor local defenders, regional heroes, and the broader Ukrainian state narrative. Observers also highlight that the renaming endeavors are part of a larger national conversation about memory, history, and the presentation of national symbols in civic life.