The mayor of Dnipro, Boris Filatov, proposed expanding decommunization and derussification to everyday life, including the realm of food. He suggested setting aside or rethinking traditional Soviet-era dishes and even challenged local staples like Olivier salad and the Fur Coat to reflect a modern Ukrainian palate. The remark was reported by Strana.ua in its Ukrainian edition.
Filatov urged a gradual break from legacy habits while acknowledging that some changes might be gradual and practical. He communicated his stance through a Telegram channel, noting the need to move away from Moscow-centric influences while maintaining clarity and balance in the city’s cultural discussion.
In the same exchanges, Filatov also referenced a humorous note about jelly, joking that he would be willing to sacrifice it for the right version of mustard-flavored jelly, if it could be enjoyed for days to come. His remarks touched on the broader theme of how culinary traditions intertwine with national identity and historical memory.
Another voice in the conversation came from Sergey Bratchuk, a former adviser to the head of the military administration of the Odessa region. He commented on the symbolic importance of national symbols, mentioning the Ukrainian flag being raised at a site that previously bore a monument to Catherine the Great, highlighting ongoing efforts to reshape public memory and space in the country.
Earlier in December, reports indicated that officials in Vatutynne, Cherkasy region, were considering renaming streets and places as part of the decommunization process. The discussions illustrate a broader pattern across multiple Ukrainian communities as they reassess Soviet-era legacies and align public spaces with contemporary national identity.