Large-scale exhumation works have begun in Lviv to recover remains of Soviet soldiers and secret agents, including the remains of the well-known NKVD agent Kuznetsov and Major Putin

Chas Pravdy - 23 April 2025 17:14

On Wednesday, exhumation work commenced at the Lychakiv Cemetery in Lviv, specifically on the so-called "Hill of Glory." This is one of the most notable and controversial sites in the city, where since 1948 Soviet soldiers, partisans, NKVD agents, and other individuals associated with the Soviet authorities have been buried. Currently, this memorial complex has become the focus of efforts to decommunize and dismantle it, aligning with new trends in cultural policy and historical reinterpretation. According to information provided by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, city authorities, coordinated with the Ukrainian Ministry of Culture, have begun relocating remains from the "Hill of Glory" to the Holoskivske Cemetery nearby for further reconsideration and reburial. The goal is to remove the symbolic and historically contentious associations surrounding this site and to create a more neutral and modern memorial zone for the citizens of Lviv. The exhumation process is expected to last approximately two months. Currently, work is underway to dismantle tombstones, fences, and explore the territory, which has long been the subject of debate. City officials emphasize their intention to ensure transparency throughout the process and to avoid ambiguity in the measures taken. In a comment, Yevhen Boyko, head of the executive committee of the Lviv City Council, stated that the aim is to eliminate Soviet-era symbolism: "We are dismantling the last markers of Soviet burials in Lviv so that all subsequent burials can follow a uniform approach—regarding exhumation protocols and reburial principles. In two months, we plan to fully remove elements of the 'Hill of Glory' to eliminate these symbols from the city." The exhumation process is overseen by the municipal enterprise "Dolia," whose representative, Sviatoslav Sheremeta, assures that all work will be conducted solely in an open manner, with strict adherence to bureaucratic procedures and ethical standards. "We understand the historical and emotional significance of this issue, especially concerning the remains of Kuznetsov and Putin. The developed methodology allows us to accurately determine if the remains indeed belong to a special agent. It is important that this process be transparent and objective," Sheremeta said. Background to the issue: The "Hill of Glory" complex was created in 1948 to commemorate Soviet soldiers—Red Army soldiers, partisans, and NKVD officers who died during World War II. It was also the site of reburials of Russian soldiers and Soviet heroes, which sparked considerable debate in Lviv and across Ukraine. Over time, this memorial complex turned into a symbol of Soviet history, but also became a site of numerous pro-Russian provocations and incidents, ultimately leading to measures of decommunization. Many of the monuments and graves—such as three mass graves of Soviet soldiers, 24 graves of Heroes of the Soviet Union, and over 220 individual burials—have already been or are scheduled to be dismantled. Since 1984, the entire complex has gradually lost its significance for Ukrainian society and has become a target of criticism due to its pro-Russian symbolism. Another important aspect is the story of Nikolai Kuznetsov himself. His remains have been targeted for theft multiple times, and the future fate of his remains has generated significant interest and debate. Kuznetsov's relatives have repeatedly requested the body be returned to Russia, but Ukrainian authorities reserve the right to decide the future of his remains, considering the historical context and public sensitivity. Prior to 2000, the Russian delegation petitioned to remove Kuznetsov's remains from the Lviv memorial, but Ukrainian authorities refused, citing legislation and historical considerations. In 2008, Kuznetsov’s relatives made a similar request and were again denied. In 2021, the Lviv authorities officially reaffirmed their stance and declined to transfer the remains to Russia, emphasizing their commitment to decommunization and removing Soviet and pro-Russian symbolism from Ukrainian soil. There is no final decision yet regarding the future of the "Hill of Glory" and Kuznetsov’s remains. However, it is known that this process will be a significant step in the city's efforts to cleanse itself from symbols of Soviet history and pro-Russian influence, opening a new chapter in its historical and cultural development.

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