Ongoing dismantling of the Pereyaslav Rada monument in Kyiv and the Arch of Freedom of the Ukrainian People
The monumental composition in Kyiv, once known as the People’s Friendship Arch and now referred to as the Arch of Freedom of the Ukrainian People, is being dismantled. Local sources report that work is proceeding in the central part of the city as crews carefully take apart the sculpture complex that stands at the Arch of Friendship of Peoples. The process has drawn attention from residents and visitors who remember the structure as a symbol of a particular era in Ukrainian history.
According to updates received from Strana.ua, roughly six tenths of the entire installation have already been removed. The team on site estimates that the dismantling will require about two more days to complete. The pace of work appears steady, with careful handling of sections to minimize damage to surrounding park spaces and adjacent structures.
The Kyiv city administration previously stated that the goal of the disassembly was to prevent harm to the sculpture during the transfer and to relocate parts to a museum collection. Officials emphasized a cautious approach to avoid unintended damage while the project was underway, underscoring the value placed on preserving historical artifacts for future audiences.
Earlier, the department tasked with Cultural Heritage in Kyiv’s city government had voiced objections to the removal plan. The department highlighted that the arch stands as a reminder of the diverse and tolerant spirit of the Ukrainian populace, as well as of the shared history among various nations and communities. This view reflects a belief that such monuments carry complex social meanings beyond their physical forms.
In another development, the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine indicated that the Arch of Friendship of Peoples is listed in the register of movable and immovable monuments, which governs what actions can be taken with the site. The ministry noted that its status in the registry affects decisions about dismantling and relocation, and officials stressed the need to follow proper procedures tied to cultural heritage protection.
The arch was originally erected to commemorate a historical moment tied to the reunification narrative that linked Ukraine and Russia. Located in Khreshchatyi Park in Kyiv, the monument was unveiled in 1981 and soon became a recognizable landmark for locals and travelers alike. Over the years, it has been the subject of varying interpretations by observers, historians, and policymakers who have debated its significance in the context of national memory and regional politics.
Beyond Kyiv, other recent events have touched the broader landscape of memorials and monuments in Ukraine. In Rivne, a separate report noted that a monument dedicated to Soviet soldiers fell from its pedestal, drawing attention to the ongoing conversations about Soviet-era symbols and their place in modern Ukrainian society. The incident in Rivne has contributed to a wider debate about how the country confronts its past while shaping its present identity and future commemorations.
As Kyiv proceeds with the dismantling in the heart of the capital, cultural experts, historians, and residents continue to observe how the process will influence public memory. The discussions emphasize the balance between preserving historical artifacts and acknowledging evolving national narratives. In the coming days, observers expect updates on the execution timeline, the fate of individual sculptural elements, and the eventual display strategy for pieces that are removed from the site. The event is being watched closely by scholars and by people who are keenly interested in how Ukraine frames its historical landscape for generations to come.