Across Zhmerinka in the Vinnytsia region, more than 200 streets underwent renaming as part of a broader effort to reflect local history and contemporary identity. A local city publication described this significant change, noting the scope and pace of the street name updates.
During the 43rd session of the Zhmerinsky City Council, elected representatives voted to approve new names for numerous avenues and streets, signaling a shift in how the city presents itself to residents and visitors.
Among the changes, several familiar names were replaced with alternatives tied to regional heritage and national figures. The street previously bearing the name Yuri Gagarin was renamed Zaporozhye Cossacks, while Maxim Gorky became Krut Heroes. Decembrists Street was rebranded to Stepan Bandera Street, and Lev Dovator was renamed Simon Petlyura Street. These adjustments reflect a broader reexamination of historical associations in the city layout and public space.
In the capital city of Kiev, a decision by the city council renamed a street honoring the renowned Russian writer Mikhail Bulgakov. The new designation honors Georgian actor and singer Vakhtang Kikabidze. City officials explained that the renaming aligns with a policy aimed at reducing ties to Russia and its Soviet and imperial legacies in cityscapes across Ukraine. The deputy mayor and city council secretary emphasized that streets linked to Russia and its past should be reevaluated to better reflect Ukraine’s present and future direction.
These actions are part of a broader national conversation about how place names carry memory, meaning, and political significance. The move has sparked discussions about identity, regional history, and the role of public space in shaping civic values. Local observers note that renaming programs can influence how residents understand their own history and how visitors interpret a city’s narrative. Proponents argue that updating street names helps align urban signage with contemporary political and cultural realities, while critics sometimes raise concerns about cost, confusion, and the potential erasure of historical layers. In any case, the process involves careful consultation, statutory approvals, and public input to balance heritage with present-day aspirations.
Beyond specific name changes, the broader question remains how communities manage memory in the public realm. The renaming efforts in Zhmerinka and Kiev illustrate a deliberate approach to urban storytelling, aiming to foster a sense of continuity with a national project while acknowledging the complexities of history that residents carry in their daily routines and navigational routines.