Mother Ukraine Monument, Colossal steel statue at National Museum of History, Kyiv, Ukraine.
The Mother Ukraine Monument is a colossal steel statue in socialist realism style at the National Museum of History in Kyiv, Ukraine. The figure holds a sword and a shield and stands on a tall pedestal that forms part of a memorial complex.
The statue was built in 1981 during the Soviet era and formed part of a memorial for World War II. The emblem on the shield was changed in 2023 from Soviet symbols to the Ukrainian trident.
The name pairs motherhood with the nation and shows a woman in a fighting stance, now understood mainly as a symbol of endurance. Visitors often see flags at the base and people coming here to remember fallen soldiers or to express their connection to the country.
Several observation points at different heights in the statue offer views over the city, which are clearest in dry weather. Access leads through the museum grounds, where paths are sometimes steep and sturdy shoes are helpful.
The blade of the sword extends over 16 meters and weighs around 9 tons, requiring special fastenings inside the figure's arm. On windy days you can see a slight movement of the weapon from the ground, caused by the flexibility of the steel structure.
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