In a bold move signalling a significant shift in national identity, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed replacing the long-empty plinth of a toppled Lenin statue in central Kyiv with a monument to Ivan Mazepa, a historical Cossack leader renowned for his quest for Ukrainian independence. This initiative comes amidst a broader reevaluation of Ukraine’s Soviet past, particularly in light of ongoing conflict with Russia.
The Ghost of Lenin: A Symbol of the Past
Since the fall of the statue during the 2013-14 Maidan revolution, the plinth at the foot of Taras Shevchenko Boulevard has stood as a stark reminder of Ukraine’s turbulent history. Once a proud emblem of Soviet authority, it has since been defaced and abandoned, adorned with graffiti and a Ukrainian trident—a symbol of national resilience. The statue’s dismantling was a pivotal moment in a series of actions aimed at severing ties with Ukraine’s Soviet legacy, intensified by Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the full-scale invasion that commenced in February 2022.
Zelenskyy’s announcement in June 2023 to install a statue of Mazepa in place of Lenin has ignited a passionate discourse about the role of monuments in shaping national identity. Speaking beside a bust of Mazepa at the historic Pechersk Lavra, Zelenskyy declared, “I am certain that where Lenin fell, Mazepa will stand firm.” This sentiment resonates deeply within a nation grappling with its historical narrative and the quest for self-definition amidst external aggression.
Reclaiming History: The Legacy of Ivan Mazepa
Mazepa’s legacy is complex. Once a loyal ally of the Russian tsar, he ultimately turned against Moscow in pursuit of Ukrainian autonomy, forging an alliance with Swedish King Charles XII. This alliance marked a dramatic shift in his life and has led to his historical portrayal as both a traitor and a national hero. Nataliia Kryvda, a cultural historian at Taras Shevchenko National University, articulates this duality, noting, “Each culture needs to mark its space with memorials. They objectify memory.” She defends the idea of honouring Mazepa, recognising the need for Ukraine to assert its own narrative amid centuries of Russian cultural dominance.
Zelenskyy has pointed out that Russia has historically vilified Mazepa, aiming to reshape Ukrainian perceptions of their own history. “Their goal is to make Ukrainians view their own history through the eyes of others,” he argued, framing the replacement of Lenin with Mazepa as a reclamation of narrative sovereignty.
The Ongoing Battle for Identity
The question of identity has become increasingly pronounced in Ukraine, especially as the war with Russia rages on. Alim Aliev, a writer and Crimean Tatar activist, reflects on this evolving discourse, stating, “We are reclaiming our own voices and names.” He highlights the decision to feature the 20th-century Ukrainian poet Vasyl Stus on a new banknote as part of this cultural renaissance. Stus, who suffered for his nationalist beliefs, epitomises Ukraine’s struggle for self-identity and resistance against historical oppression.
The removal of monuments associated with Russian figures, such as the recent dismantling of a statue of Mikhail Bulgakov in Kyiv, suggests a pivotal shift in public sentiment. Critics argue that such figures, often associated with imperial narratives, no longer serve a purpose in a nation redefining itself. Liudmyla Habianuri, director of the Bulgakov Museum, acknowledges this sentiment, stating, “If I speak Russian and watch Russian films and the Russians are killing me then I must give all that up.”
The Symbolism of Place and Memory
As discussions surrounding the replacement statue unfold, some question whether the plinth is an appropriate location for a figure like Mazepa. Habianuri expressed concerns about the historical significance of the site, which has seen its share of tumult, suggesting that while Mazepa is a worthy figure, the plinth may not be the fitting tribute he deserves.
Despite the complexities surrounding his legacy, a statue of Mazepa would serve as a powerful reminder of Ukraine’s rich history and ongoing struggle for autonomy. It represents not just a physical replacement but also a profound ideological shift as Ukraine seeks to reclaim its narrative from centuries of external influence.
Why it Matters
This proposed monument to Ivan Mazepa is more than just a change of scenery in Kyiv; it is emblematic of a nation in the throes of rediscovery. As Ukraine navigates its identity in the wake of war, the replacement of Lenin signifies a rejection of imperialism and a bold assertion of self-determination. In a time of conflict, the act of commemorating a national hero like Mazepa speaks volumes about the resilience of the Ukrainian spirit and its desire to forge a future rooted in its own history, free from the shadows of its past.
