The monument to Peter I has been dismantled in Poltava.

The dismantling of the monument to Peter I took place in Poltava as part of the decolonization process. This was reported by 'Glavkom' referencing the post of the acting mayor of Poltava, Kateryna Yamshykova, on Facebook.

'According to the decision of the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine, the monument to Peter I has been removed from the public space of our city. This step is an important part of the state policy of decolonization,' the message states.

According to Yamshykova, this decision was made in accordance with legislation and with adherence to the necessary procedures.

'This is not an act of vandalism, but a conscious and responsible action of the community, which is getting rid of Russian imperial markers. Regardless of different opinions and discussions, we are united by one thing: Poltava is a city with a rich Ukrainian history, where imperial myths have no place! Our future belongs to Ukrainian heroes and European figures!' Yamshykova emphasized.

Yamshykova expressed gratitude to 'conscious and concerned' citizens who support the decolonization process.

The history of Poltava and the importance of the Battle of Poltava

On June 27, 1709, Peter I's army defeated the Swedish army near Poltava. This was a significant victory for Russia and a symbol of the rise of the Russian Empire. The battle was also used to justify Peter I's reforms and the main 'traitor' Mazepa. The dismantling of the monument is an important step in the decolonization process.

Recall that, the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II is also undergoing a decolonization process by dismantling the names of Russian and Belarusian cities from the Alley of Hero Cities.

Decolonization is also ongoing in Kryvyi Rih. It has affected monuments to Russian poets and writers Alexander Pushkin and Mikhail Lermontov. Local media 'Na Chasi' reports this.

The monuments to Lermontov were demolished on Central Avenue, while Pushkin was removed from Mining Engineers Street.