The Mayor of Kharkiv Reconsiders Renaming Pushkinska Street
The Mayor of Kharkiv, Igor Terekhov, recently announced a change of heart regarding the renaming of Pushkinska Street in the city. Following the Russian armed forces’ rocket attacks on January 23, which caused destruction on Pushkinska Street, Terekhov suggested renaming the street in honor of Hryhoriy Skovoroda.
«Until yesterday, I was not in a hurry to make a decision to change the name of Pushkinska Street. Like many Kharkiv residents, I have always believed that Pushkin is not about modern Russia, not about the reality that the Putin regime is trying to impose, using the greatness of historical figures for its own interests,» Terekhov wrote.
He went on to express his change of heart after witnessing the devastation caused by the Russian attacks, stating, «we see the real price of such decisions.» Terekhov proposed naming the street after Hryhoriy Skovoroda, highlighting the philosopher’s opposition to imperial ambitions.
Earlier in June 2022, Terekhov had expressed reservations about renaming Pushkinska Street, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between historical figures and current political actions. However, in light of recent events, he has decided to honor a great Ukrainian figure instead.
