In an interview with Ukrainian NGO Misto Syly, Kiper stated that an executive order to dismantle the monument, along with others representing Russian imperial cultural legacy, has been signed.
When asked directly if the monument to Pushkin would be taken down, Kiper confirmed, "Yes, it is included in the order, and we have issued a directive for its removal. Today, all relevant notifications regarding the removal of such monuments have been sent out."
The governor did not provide any further details.
Previously, Odesa Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov commented that the Pushkin monument in the city should not be removed because it is part of the city’s historical center, which, in turn, is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage registry.
“European delegations and tourists know who Pushkin is; they know he was here, worked, and wrote some of his works,” Trukhanov said on Aug. 23.
“He was, by the way, exiled here. Plus, when we submitted our request to UNESCO, we noted, and they are aware, that this is part of our cultural heritage.”