After decades of absence, Joseph Stalin's image is back in Moscow's subway. A new statue, unveiled recently, depicts the Soviet dictator amidst a scene of workers and children presenting flowers, reminiscent of a statue removed in the 1960s during de-Stalinization efforts. The artwork has quickly drawn attention, attracting numerous visitors who stop to admire, photograph, and even leave flowers.
This development reflects a broader trend where the Kremlin is gradually rehabilitating Stalin's image, especially in light of the narrative they are promoting about historical Russian victories, particularly related to the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Supporters of the statue, like Liliya A. Medvedeva, a pensioner, express pride in Stalin, crediting him for wartime victories while downplaying his brutal reign with comments about the inevitability of mistakes.
Conversely, there are many who view this rekindling of Stalin's legacy with alarm, interpreting it as an attempted historical whitewash. In a society where dissent can be perilous, the extent of opposition to this glorification remains ambiguous. Critics argue that instead of honoring a tyrant, the focus should be on a comprehensive understanding of Russia's complex history and the darker truths behind it. As the Kremlin continues to navigate its narrative, the divisive opinions on Stalin demonstrate the persistence of historical scars that still influence Russian identity today.
This development reflects a broader trend where the Kremlin is gradually rehabilitating Stalin's image, especially in light of the narrative they are promoting about historical Russian victories, particularly related to the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Supporters of the statue, like Liliya A. Medvedeva, a pensioner, express pride in Stalin, crediting him for wartime victories while downplaying his brutal reign with comments about the inevitability of mistakes.
Conversely, there are many who view this rekindling of Stalin's legacy with alarm, interpreting it as an attempted historical whitewash. In a society where dissent can be perilous, the extent of opposition to this glorification remains ambiguous. Critics argue that instead of honoring a tyrant, the focus should be on a comprehensive understanding of Russia's complex history and the darker truths behind it. As the Kremlin continues to navigate its narrative, the divisive opinions on Stalin demonstrate the persistence of historical scars that still influence Russian identity today.
