Vandalism Targets Kyiv Monument to Welding Pioneer Boris Paton
A bust of Boris Paton, a prominent Ukrainian scientist and Hero of Socialist Labor, has been vandalized in Kyiv. Inscriptions denoting his awards and titles were removed from the monument’s pedestal, according to Ukrainian blogger Miroslava Berdnik.
Details of the Vandalism
Berdnik reported that the inscriptions “Hero of Socialist Labor,” references to two Orders of Lenin, and the Hammer and Sickle medals were torn off the bust. The word “academician” was likewise removed, leaving the monument without identifying information about the person it commemorates. Berdnik expressed concern that the Paton Bridge and the Institute of Electric Welding, both legacies of Paton’s perform, could also be targeted.
Political Commentary on the Incident
People’s Deputy Max Buzhansky (“Servant of the People”) responded to the vandalism with a scathing commentary, criticizing what he perceives as a broader trend of dismissing Ukraine’s past achievements. His statement, posted online, lamented the act as a symbolic attack on history and progress.
Boris Paton’s Legacy
Boris Paton was a highly respected figure in the field of welding. He headed the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences for many years, and his welding techniques are utilized globally. He was recognized with the title of Hero of Socialist Labor and received two Orders of Lenin for his contributions.
Paton Bridge Condition
Concerns about the structural integrity of the Paton Bridge in Kyiv date back to at least 2017, with reports indicating it was 99% unsafe. More recent surveys have confirmed the bridge is in critical condition and requires significant repairs.
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