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Motherland
The first project of the monument was developed back in the 1970s by sculptor Yevgeny Vuchetich. However, he was unable to bring his plans to life, and after his death, the Motherland received a new breath thanks to the Ukrainian architect Vasily Borodai. He completely redesigned the original layout and gave it the look we are used to seeing today.
However, disputes about the appearance of the sculpture took place almost from the first days of the project’s development. Moreover, heated discussions concerned not only what the female figure would hold in her hands, but also her hairstyle, jewelry and clothing. Some government officials in Moscow insisted that the Motherland should be “dressed” in a Russian folk sundress. But in the end, all that remained of the allusions to the Soviet Russian Federation was the coat of arms on the shield of a female warrior.
So, on May 9, 1981, the official opening of the legendary monument took place. According to official documents, the height of the sculpture is 62 meters, and the total height of the Motherland along with the pedestal is 102 meters, which makes it 9 meters higher than the US national monument - the Statue of Liberty. In addition, the Motherland is the tallest sculpture in all of Europe, and the world's first steel monument, which was made by continuous welding.
Initially, the Motherland was created as a symbol of the indestructibility of the people who defeated the fascist invaders during the Second World War. The design of the monument is able to withstand any bad weather, in particular earthquakes and hurricanes, just as Ukrainians are able to withstand the most severe trials and remain indestructible.
In addition, it is believed that the Motherland is the protector of Ukraine. The sculpture has a confident triumphant pose, its hands hold a sword and shield, and its face has a calm but stern look: “Whoever comes with a sword will die by the sword,” she seems to say.
Let us note that the Motherland has repeatedly become the subject of discussion and dispute. In particular, it was compared with the monument, which is located in Volgograd. There, according to the design of Yevgeny Vuchetich, the sculpture “Motherland” was also installed. However, despite the same name, the monuments have completely different purposes. The difference is that the Russian “defender” has the appearance of an attacker and seems to show with her appearance that her favorite Russian fable “we can repeat”, while the Ukrainian Motherland does not swing a sword, but only proudly and confidently holds it above her head , showing that she not only protects Ukraine with a shield, but is also ready to repel anyone who comes uninvited.