Work begins in Ukraine to protect Azerbaijani monuments post embassy air strike Photo

In response to a recent escalation in missile and drone strikes on Kyiv, efforts have begun to protect Azerbaijani monuments in the Ukrainian capital and surrounding region. The protective measures are focused on safeguarding significant monuments, particularly the statue of Azerbaijan’s National Leader Heydar Aliyev located in front of the Azerbaijani embassy.

The installation of protective fences around these monuments is being carried out by the representative office of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) in Ukraine. Work has already started at the Heydar Aliyev monument, with similar efforts underway for other monuments associated with Azerbaijan across Kyiv and the Kyiv region, Caliber.Az reports via local media. 

SOCAR Ukraine employee Andrii Pomiluiko explained that the need for these protective measures had arisen due to the recent increase in Russian missile and drone attacks targeting Kyiv. The monuments to be protected include those dedicated to prominent Azerbaijani figures such as Heydar Aliyev in Heydar Aliyev Park in Kyiv, Zarifa Aliyeva in Druzhba Park in Irpin, as well as those honouring Nasimi, Samad Vurghun, and Muslim Magomayev in various locations around Kyiv.

As part of the protective process, the monuments are being covered with fireproof tarpaulin and shielded with wooden frames. In addition, banners outlining the contours of the statues will be placed on the facades of the monuments.

The work is expected to be completed within the next week. The protective coverings will remain in place until the conclusion of the war between Ukraine and Russia, after which a decision will be made by the Azerbaijani government regarding their removal.

A reminder that the Azerbaijani Embassy in Kyiv sustained significant damage during a large-scale overnight air strike carried out by Russian forces on November 14. One of the missiles landed directly on the embassy grounds, causing a crack in the territory and extensive structural damage to the building

By Sabina Mammadli