Kyiv Fortress demolished: historic sites in Ukraine’s capital continue to disappear
The Day has often written about the so-called “Kyiv phenomenon,” the term used to describe construction in the city’s historic quarter. Whereas in the past investors could only get their paws on children’s playgrounds and pleasure gardens, now they are targeting nature preserves, parks, and even museums. Paradoxically, even the most mindless and absurd eyesores in the capital of Ukraine have received the go-ahead from bureaucrats and experts, and no one can change the existing situation, even the president, let alone Mayor Leonid Chernovetsky.
Banning the build-up of the city’s historic quarter was high on the list of the mayor’s pre-election slogans. But promises have remained just that. Nobody even blinked when on the evening of Dec. 30 special vehicles pulled up to the Kyiv Fortress, the world’s largest earth fortification, and razed three mid-19th-century structures to the ground. These architectural monuments, which were torn down on New Year’s Eve, are making way for a multistoried residential complex that builders, investors, and municipal bureaucrats think is more important for the city.
Meanwhile, for the last several years the administration of the Kyiv Fortress has been trying to bring all its museum buildings together into a single complex. Instructions to this effect came from President Viktor Yushchenko, Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych, and Verkhovna Rada Speaker Oleksandr Moroz. Yet, by all accounts, the signatures of Ukraine’s three bosses failed to scare the builders. Initially, the Kyiv City Council gave permission for the construction of a residential complex and demolition of a few dilapidated museum structures that were used as sheds. But the builders also thought it necessary to tear down three monuments of national importance, including the former Kyiv telegraph, the only structure that had retained its original shape.
Kyiv Fortress director Viacheslav Kulinich says that the builders have found a formal excuse: they allege that the three structures did not have a protection number and did not display any information plaques. “This is nonsense. Maybe they have no protection number, but even if the builders could prove this in court, construction on the territory of the preserve is banned,” says Kulinich. The administration still does not know what to do in this situation, but its members intend to take up the cudgels against the brazen builders.
Kulinich says an unidentified person has already threatened him with dismissal. It should be noted that the museum management also shares the blame for the destruction of the three historical monuments: although the territory of the preserve measures ten square kilometers, the management is directly responsible for keeping all the structures safe. How could it happen that three “unnecessary” buildings were torn down, even though it was New Year’s Eve? Incidentally, the vehicles arrived on Dec. 30.
The Day asked some experts to comment on the situation. They all agree that Kyiv has already been robbed of its historical face.
Mykola PARKHOMENKO, first deputy, All-Ukrainian Civic Organization for the Protection of Architectural Monuments:
“In general, construction on the preserve’s territory without permission from the Cabinet of Ministers is banned. The monument should be struck off the register, which only the Cabinet can do. But as a rule, builders do everything on their own, leaving us to hold the bag. I must also say that I cannot remember a single instance when the culprits were prosecuted. Such matters are usually settled out of court, much to the satisfaction of both bureaucrats and investors. The whole problem is that all the laws, not only the one on construction, do not work in Ukraine. You can break the law and get off scot-free. There is no balanced policy. What could really change the situation is a reform at all levels. We must make an all-out effort to raise the juridical culture of people. Even if we begin pursuing the builders, there will be no result unless people choose to obey the law. Every year Ukraine loses about 500 archeological finds due to unsanctioned excavations. And who is to be brought to justice? I don’t know! The city’s historic center no longer exists. You can see the latest glaring example at 2a Zhytomyrska Street, where the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is building a hotel-and-office center. Please tell me where they took the funds from if no budgetary expenditures have been envisioned for major construction in many years?”
Larysa SKORYK, architect and Corresponding Member of the Academy of Architecture and Arts:
“Kyiv bureaucrats have struck a gold mine. You can make any kind of deal: everything depends on the size of the kickback. Kyiv is not losing its historic face, it has already lost it. Above all, this situation is bad for the city’s economy, especially the tourist sector. In all countries tourism is a good way to fill the state coffers. In Ukraine, this sector is still underdeveloped. But do you really think that tourists will be coming from all over the world just to see eyesores? Kyiv has always been famous for its unique combination of landscape and architecture. And now the once omnipresent green oases are vanishing one by one. Right now the banks of the Dnipro are practically intact, but given the current pace of construction, this will not last for very long. As for corruption control, I think we must begin with the officials who issue licenses. They do as they please. Such people should be prosecuted.”
Zhanna KOVBA, Associate Professor, Ph.D. (History):
“Along with the fortresses Kyiv has lost hope for the existence of the Law on the Protection of Architectural Monuments. A historical monument was destroyed in broad daylight, during a holiday, right before everyone’s eyes! And nobody is held responsible. The Museum of Kyiv has been closed for almost three years, which means that there is no center to monitor the condition of monuments and shape public opinion. Historical Kyiv is being lost before our very eyes.”
