Monument to Taras Shevchenko Vandalized in Serbia on Russian Invasion Anniversary

In the Serbian city of Novi Sad, unidentified individuals defaced a monument to Taras Shevchenko with black paint. The incident occurred on February 24, marking the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

According to reports from Razglas News, the act of vandalism likely took place shortly before a scheduled anti-war rally intended to show support for Ukraine.

The monument was originally installed in Novi Sad on February 10, 2021, as a gift from the city of Lviv.

Since its installation, the site has served as a central location for various events supporting Ukraine, including rallies in March 2022, a “Living Chain of Unity” in 2023, and celebrations for Ukraine’s Independence Day.

The Embassy of Ukraine in Serbia responded to the incident by calling on local law enforcement to hold those responsible accountable.

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Media outlets cited a statement from the embassy regarding the event: “We consider this incident a shameful act against an architectural monument of the city of Novi Sad and an attempt to defile the memory of a symbol of the Ukrainian people on the tragic date of February 24 for all of Ukraine and the civilized world. These actions by vandals are aimed at undermining Ukrainian-Serbian relations.”

Earlier, French authorities arrested three Serbian nationals for allegedly carrying out coordinated acts of vandalism against Jewish landmarks in Paris, acting in the interest of a foreign state, potentially Russia.

The suspects, born in 1995 and 2003, were charged with damaging religious and historical sites after they sprayed green paint on the Wall of the Righteous at the Shoah Memorial and several synagogues.

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