Moscow Decides to Restore Dzerzhinsky Monument: Who Pushed for It and When.

Plans to Reinstall Dzerzhinsky Monument in Moscow

According to Espreso.tv: According to opposition Russian journalist Mikhail Zygar, a political decision has already been made to restore the monument to Felix Dzerzhinsky in Moscow. In December 2025, deputies from the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (KPRF) formally asked Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin to consider the matter.

The statue of Dzerzhinsky, founder of the Soviet secret police, was toppled in Moscow in August 1991. Recent developments now point to the possibility of its return to its original location. In April 2026, Vladimir Putin named the FSB Academy after Dzerzhinsky, signaling a potential shift in how the figure is viewed within today's Russian political landscape.

Political Elite Weighs In

Yuri Afonin, a deputy from the KPRF faction, stated: 'Returning the Dzerzhinsky monument to its rightful place means restoring historical justice. It is long overdue.'

These remarks reflect the stance of a segment of the political elite that backs the monument's restoration as a symbol of Russia's history.

Reinstalling the Dzerzhinsky monument could play a key role in shaping Russia's modern political identity, as his legacy is tied to the Soviet era and its repressive governance. The growing support for the monument suggests that some within Russia's political leadership wish to reclaim certain aspects of the Soviet legacy, a move that may spark varied reactions across society. This situation could also influence the country's political climate, particularly in ongoing debates over historical memory and national identity.