Built between 1979 and 1981, the monument, which honours the heroes of the Soviet Union, is controversial for its cost and Soviet association.
The statue honours the heroes of the Soviet Union, as part of the Ukrainian State Museum of the Second World War. It is made from 450 tonnes of steel and stands 62 metres tall on the museum’s main building, with the overall structure measuring 102 metres. Held in the statue’s left hand is a shield with the State Emblem of the Soviet Union, and in the right, a 16 metre sword. The statue was originally intended to be even taller, but the sword was cut because it was higher than the cross of the nearby Pechersk Lavra.
In the statue’s base, a memorial hall displays the names of the soldiers and workers who were honoured with the title of Hero of the Soviet Union during the war. There are observation decks at 36 and 92 metres; the latter tucked behind the figure’s shield.