Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Dismantling the monument to Marshal Zhukov in Odessa is regrettable

01.07.2017, Russia.

Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on June 29 that the demolition of the bas-relief to Georgy Zhukov, Marshal of the Soviet Union, in the city of Odessa is regrettable, TASS Russian news agency reported on June 29.

The dismantling of the bas-relief took place in Odessa at night, June 25.  “What happened in Odessa is not the first act of vandalism directed at the memorials to Marshal ZhukovIn today’s Ukraine, everything that reminds of the victory of the Soviet people over Nazism, including the defeat of fascism in WWII, keeps many from sleeping at night,” said Zakharova.

Maria Zakharova also added that the current government of Ukraine is pursuing a policy of rewriting history while fighting against historical facts.  In support of her words, the diplomat drew attention to the so-called “anti-communist laws“, the ban on wearing the ribbon of St. George, and the ban on other symbols of victory over fascism.

May 15, Ukrainian President Pyotr Poroshenko signed several laws on decommunization.  Among them are laws condemning the communist regime and banning its symbols and propaganda; the law on “Allowing Access to the Archives of Repressive Organizations of the Totalitarian Communist Regime of 1917-1991”; the law “Commemorating the Victory over Nazism in WWII, 1939-1945”; and the law on “Legal Status and Commemoration of Fighters for the Independence of Ukraine in the Twentieth century.”  Also, the new laws recognize UIA [the Ukrainian Insurgent Army] (organization banned in Russia) and other nationalist organizations as fighters for Ukrainian independence.

* Zhukov, Georgiy Konstantinovich – Marshal of the Soviet Union.  During the Great Patriotic War [WWII] he held the posts of the Chief of the General Staff, the Front Commander, a member of the Supreme Command, the Deputy Supreme Commander-in-Chief. His immense contribution to the defeat of the Nazi invaders appears to be the main reason for the Ukrainian government’s hostility toward the memorials to Marshal Zhukov – Editor.

Source: Rossa Primavera News Agency

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