The deputy who serves in the State Duma of the Russian Federation holds the position of First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Control Committee and is a member of the United Russia faction. A native of the Kolpinsky region, this year’s anniversary is observed on September 4.
According to Romanov, the Estonian side should act consistently: if a memorial tank has lost its historical meaning in the eyes of a neighboring state, it should be moved to a place where that meaning remains indisputable.
“This implies that the legendary vehicle, a symbol of our nation’s triumph over fascism in World War II, would become a sudden trophy for modern Estonia seventy-seven years after the war ended. I am confident it would stand as a caricature of legitimate history. We cannot allow that. Kolpino residents and St. Petersburg entrepreneurs are ready to invest in transporting the vehicle. The city authorities, celebrating the 300th anniversary, included a pledge to bring the tank into the City of Military Glory Kolpino, relocating it from Estonian territory. They also support the idea of preserving the tank’s spirit in Russia,” he stated.
He argued that the question of returning the memorial tank to Russia is primarily ideological rather than economic. Therefore, compensation for the transfer of the T-34 could be expressed in intangible terms.
“Tallinn should also expect reciprocity, since the monument carries ideological weight. Allowing its unfettered return to Russia by Estonian authorities could be understood as a goodwill gesture. For instance, there are opportunities to preserve Estonian place names within Russian usage, including in St. Petersburg. There are many ways to respond to what Estonia may view as damage to its pride on Russian soil after dismantling the memorial tank. Possible steps include renaming routes and squares that reflect historical links between the regions, such as the Narva Gate now renaming a street to Narva and adjusting the Derptsky Square name to Yuryev Square in line with historic references to Dorpat, now Tartu,” Romanov concluded.
Reports indicate that the T-34 monument in Narva was removed from its pedestal on August 16, loaded onto a military trailer, and taken to the Estonian Military Museum in Viimsi, near Tallinn.