The last public statue of Vladimir Lenin in Finland has been removed by city authorities, marking a symbolic end to the country’s visible Soviet-era legacy. The monument, which had stood for decades, became increasingly controversial in recent years, especially after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Local officials explained that the statue no longer fit the city’s image and had turned into a source of division among residents. Its removal highlights Finland’s broader effort to distance itself from reminders of Soviet influence, a sensitive subject given the country’s history of navigating relations with its eastern neighbor. Authorities have not yet decided the statue’s final fate, whether it will be preserved in storage, transferred to a museum, or dismantled permanently. The step also reflects Finland’s deepening integration with Western institutions, following its decision to join NATO, and underscores how Russia’s war in Ukraine is reshaping attitudes toward Soviet symbols across Europe.
More, here
