A scandal broke out in Odessa over the renaming of Zhvanetsky Boulevard.

On July 26, the head of the Odessa RMA Oleg Kiper issued an order to rename Zhvanetsky Boulevard. This news sparked lively discussions on social media. Some support the name change, while others oppose it.

Zhvanetsky was a Soviet, Russian, and Ukrainian satirical writer

Biography of Mikhail Zhvanetsky and the award from Putin

Mikhail Zhvanetsky was born on March 6, 1934, in Odessa. After the collapse of the USSR, he worked in Russia. Initially, he worked at the Odessa port and then performed and wrote scripts for the Leningrad Theater of Variety Arts and Miniatures. Later, Zhvanetsky began performing solo. He wrote many plays and books, which were later adapted for the screen. In 1999, he was awarded the title of People's Artist of Ukraine. Recently, he hosted a program aired on the Russian TV channel "Russia 1." On February 28, 2019, Zhvanetsky received an award from Putin. He died on November 6, 2020, and was buried in Moscow.

When Zhvanetsky Boulevard appeared in Odessa

Until April 5, 2009, the boulevard was named Arts Boulevard. Then, the mayor of Odessa, Eduard Gurvits, decided to rename it in honor of Mikhail Zhvanetsky. Under the new name, the boulevard existed until July 26, when an order was issued to rename it.

The reaction of Ukrainians to the renaming of the boulevard

Social networks were divided in their opinions on the renaming of Zhvanetsky Boulevard. Some believe that Zhvanetsky chose to "serve" the Russian world and blame him for it. Others believe that he is a "hero of our Time." Some people suggest naming streets with neutral names to avoid disagreements.