Zaporozhye renames two city parks and a street

Historical figures honored with new names

The city council of Zaporozhye, Ukraine, voted on June 22 to rename two city parks and a street in honor of historical figures.

Park Yuzhny will now be known as Park Petro Kalnyshevsky, after the last Koshet ataman of the Zaporozhian Sich. Park Pushkina will now be known as Park Volodymyr Vernadsky, after the Ukrainian scientist and the first president of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Ulitsa Pushkina (Pushkin Street) will now be known as Ulitsa Ivana Boguna, after the Ukrainian military commander who fought against the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in the 17th century.

Residents welcome changes

The renamings have been welcomed by many residents of Zaporozhye, who say that they are a fitting tribute to important historical figures.

"I think it's a great idea to rename these parks and streets after people who have made significant contributions to our city and our country," said resident Olena Ivanova. "It's a way to show our appreciation for their work and to ensure that their legacy is remembered."

The renamings are part of a larger effort by the Ukrainian government to de-Russify the country. In recent years, many cities and towns in Ukraine have renamed streets and other public places that were named after Russian figures.