In Kyiv, the phased de-conservation of monuments that were covered with protective structures at the beginning of the full-scale invasion is ongoing. Today, utility services of the Pechersk district began dismantling the protective structures around the monument to Lesya Ukrainka. This was reported by the Department of Culture of the Kyiv City State Administration, as reported by UNN.
"At the beginning of the full-scale invasion, protecting monuments with modular structures and sandbags was a necessary decision. This made it possible to minimize the risks of damage from debris and blast waves of the strikes at that time. However, over more than 4 years of war, the nature of threats has changed, and with it, the approaches to preserving monuments," noted the Director of the Department of Culture, Serhiy Anzhyyak.
He explained that now Russia is increasingly using ballistic missiles and other high-power means of destruction, which are capable of destroying even reinforced concrete structures. Under such conditions, protective structures made of modular constructions and sandbags can no longer provide an adequate level of protection. And in the event of a powerful blast wave, they themselves can become a source of additional mechanical damage to the monuments. At the same time, there are currently no certified protective structures that would guarantee effective protection of monuments from modern means of destruction.
Another reason for revising the approaches was the consequences of the long-term stay of monuments under shelters. Moisture accumulates inside the structures, sandbags deteriorate, and the lack of proper ventilation promotes the development of fungi and biological damage. This poses the greatest threat to monuments made of marble and other natural materials.
"Today, protecting a monument is not just about 'sheltering' it. It is, first and foremost, the ability to constantly monitor its technical condition and carry out preventive and restoration work in a timely manner. It is this approach that allows us to preserve our cultural heritage as much as possible in wartime conditions," emphasized Serhiy Anzhyyak.
Let us add
According to him, the de-conservation process has already begun. Earlier, the monument to Princess Olga was uncovered, and cleaning and necessary work on the monument to Mykola Lysenko have been completed.
After the completion of work near the monument to Lesya Ukrainka, they also plan to de-conserve the monument to the founders of Kyiv in Navodnytskyi Park.