The Moscow metro has unveiled a striking new addition: a life-sized statue of Joseph Stalin at the Taganskaya station. This statue has sparked a mix of admiration and outrage among the public.
Stalin, who led the Soviet Union from the 1920s until his death in 1953, is a controversial figure. His regime was marked by mass purges, famines, and the infamous gulag labor camps, which caused the deaths of millions. Yet, the statue depicts him surrounded by adoring workers and children, suggesting a different narrative. There is no mention of his brutal past in this portrayal, which some see as an attempt to rewrite history.
The sculpture was introduced as a gift to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Moscow metro. It is a replica of a statue that originally appeared in 1950, honoring Stalin’s role in the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. That statue was removed in the 1960s during a period aimed at dismantling Stalin’s cult of personality. However, under President Vladimir Putin, there has been a noticeable revival of Stalin’s image. While smaller statues have appeared in various towns, this prominent installation in the capital is unprecedented.
Reactions to the statue have been mixed. Some Muscovites express pride in it, viewing it as a piece of art and a significant part of their history. Others are appalled, questioning the decision to honor a leader responsible for so much suffering. One passerby, Denis, called it "the right decision," while another, Svetlana, expressed disbelief, asking, "How is this possible?!"
At the foot of the statue, visitors have left red carnations as a sign of respect. This contrasts sharply with the sentiments of those who remember the darker aspects of Stalin’s rule.
Human rights activists point out that this trend reflects a broader narrative under Putin’s leadership, which emphasizes state greatness while downplaying historical atrocities. Yan Rachinsky, an activist, noted that there is a growing reluctance to criticize Stalin, as the current government promotes a sense of national pride that glosses over the past.
As the statue stands in the bustling metro station, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing debate in Russia about how to remember the Soviet era and its leaders. Stalin’s legacy remains a contentious issue, and this statue is likely to keep that conversation alive.