On the anniversary of the complete liberation of the Kyiv region from the Russian invaders, the Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Oleksiy Kuleba took part in the opening of the "Girl under the Sun" sculpture, which was installed on the main square of Borodyanka, Kyiv region.
The four-meter sculpture represents the victory of life over destruction, and its arches symbolize the resistance of seven districts of the Kyiv region and the capital.
"Today is the anniversary of the liberation of the Kyiv region. Ukrainians expelled the occupiers from the region and continue to defend their right to identity and independence. Despite the war, constant shelling and the evil that Russia perpetrates on our land, Ukrainians do not just resist, but restore, rebuild and develop. This monument, in my opinion, is a symbol of our indomitability, struggle and free spirit. This girl is a reminder not only of the Kyiv region, but also of the whole of Ukraine," said Oleksiy Kuleba.
Last year, the Russians dropped an aerial bomb on a peaceful neighborhood in the center of Borodyanka. As a result of the attack, a nine-storey building on Tsentralna Street, in which approximately 150 people lived, suffered significant destruction. Twenty-four of them died under the rubble.
Immediately after the liberation of the village by Ukrainian troops, people who managed to evacuate began to return to Borodyanka. At the beginning of the summer of 2022, a photo of a girl on a swing in front of the same destroyed building spread across the world media. This picture became the inspiration for the future sculpture.
Sculptor Yevhen Prymachenko replaced the swing with sun rays in his work, which form a protective dome over the girl and symbolize the resistance of the Kyiv region to the invaders. The art object was installed in the same park where the famous photo was taken.
The project was implemented by the ISD Group agency as part of the nationwide campaign "Let's fight for a new life" with the assistance of the Office of the President of Ukraine in partnership with the Borodyanka community, Kyiv Military Regional Administration and with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
"I visited Borodyanka for the first time on June 5, 2022. At the same time, I saw what destruction Russia had caused. Standing here with you today, I pay tribute to the Ukrainians' undeniable grit and strength to rebuild their community. Independent Ukraine inspires the world with its courage, resolve and unflagging faith in a sovereign and democratic future. This is what I have seen again and again since I came to Kyiv - the unceasing desire to resist and live freely. The American people are proud to support the Ukrainians in their defense and recovery," said U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink, who was also present at the opening of the sculpture.
The Borodyanka territorial community plans to build new apartment buildings on the site of the destroyed ones. Also, as part of the general reconstruction, the central square named after Taras Shevchenko will be reconstructed. In particular, the construction of a separate museum exhibition of Banksy's artworks, the restoration of the monument to the Great Kobzar and other projects are planned.