Turning Point in the War: Monument Unveiled in Kyiv to Commemorate the Liberation of Kyiv Region

On Thursday, March 30, 2023, Ukraine commemorated the fourth anniversary of the liberation of the Kyiv region from Russian forces. This significant event was immortalized with the unveiling of a new monument presented at the Arch of Freedom of the Ukrainian People on the Alley of the Ukrainian Military. The sculptural composition, named 'Turning Point in the War,' was created by artists from the 'Cultural Forces' platform, as reported by the organization's press service.

The 'Turning Point in the War' monument symbolizes the collapse of the enemy's plans and the strength of Ukrainian resistance. This composition is dedicated to the heroism of the Ukrainian Defense Forces and one of the key events that took place at the beginning of the full-scale invasion—the battle for Hostomel Airport, which became a crucial stage in the fight for Ukraine's independence.

The central element of the composition is an actual concrete slab that was part of the Hostomel airport. This slab, broken in half, was intended to serve as a foothold for enemy troops to quickly seize the capital. However, thanks to the heroism of Ukrainian defenders, it has transformed into a symbol of the aggressor's failure.

Each element of the sculpture carries its own special meaning. For instance, a map with red arrows on the concrete reproduces the actual plans of the Russian offensive, which were thwarted by Ukrainian military forces. Through the break in the slab passes a steel memorial stele, on which are engraved the insignias of the units that participated in the liberation of the Kyiv region. The final accent of the composition is a beam of light symbolizing victory and the resilience of the Ukrainian people.

The battle for Hostomel and the defensive operation in the Kyiv region became one of the first signals to the international community about Ukraine's ability to resist an enemy that was previously considered invincible. The sculptural composition 'Turning Point in the War' captures this moment as a turning point in the war that changed the course of events.

At the solemn opening ceremony of the monument, representatives of the military command and project partners were present. Among them were Ivan Dobrovolskyi, Deputy Head of the Kyiv Regional Military Administration; Viktor Yevdokymov, Managing Director of the BGV Charitable Foundation; Colonel Yevhen Sasyk, Deputy Commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine; and Major Andrii Aparov from the chaplaincy service of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Colonel Yevhen Sasyk, during his speech, noted, 'Today marks the anniversary of the liberation of the Kyiv region from Russian occupiers. This event became one of the defining moments in the first month of the full-scale war and has already entered Ukraine's history as a significant milestone. Back in early 2022, the enemy sought to quickly achieve the goals of the so-called 'Special Military Operation': to capture the capital, break our will, establish a puppet administration, and effectively destroy our country. But it was Kyiv region that became the battlefield of fierce resistance, where the fate of all of Ukraine was decided.'

Viktor Yevdokymov also shared his thoughts regarding this important date: 'Today, we are not just recalling Bucha, Hostomel, Irpin, or any other locality in the Kyiv region. We remember events that, I am convinced, will resonate with great pain in the hearts of each of us. And it is these events that changed the course of the war—the world saw what Ukraine is like, how resilient Ukrainians are. This became a true source of our strength.'

The 'Cultural Forces' platform unites military personnel in creative professions, cultural figures, analysts, and volunteers who work on cultural projects that support Ukrainian identity and the memory of the heroic events of our history.