Alexei Kuleb took part in the opening of the sculpture "Girl under the Sun", which was installed in Borodyanka before the anniversary of the de -occupation of Kyiv region

“Today the anniversary of the liberation of Kyiv region. Ukrainians have expelled the occupiers from the region and continue to defend their right to identity and independence. Despite the war, the constant shelling and evil that Russia is on our earth, Ukrainians not only resist, but restore, rebuild and develop. This commemorative sign, as for me, is a symbol of our inviolability, struggle and free spirit.

This girl is a reminder not only of the Kyiv region, but also of all of Ukraine, ”said Alexei Kuleba. Last year, the Russians dropped the airbag in a peaceful quarter in the center of Borodyanka. As a result of the attack, a nine -storey building on Central Street, which lived about 150 people, was significantly destroyed. Twenty -four of them were killed in rubble. Immediately after the liberation of the village with Ukrainian troops, people who managed to evacuate began to return to Borodyanka.

At the beginning of the summer of 2022, the world media flew the girl's light on the swing opposite the same destroyed house. This picture was an inspiration for future sculpture. In his work, sculptor Yevgeny Primachenko replaced the swing with sunlight that form a protective dome above the girl and symbolize the resistance of the Kyiv region to the invaders. The art object was installed in the same square where the famous photo was made.

The project was implemented by the ISD Group within the national campaign "Competition for a New Life" with the assistance of the Presidential Office of Ukraine in partnership with the Borodyan settlement community, the Kyiv Military Regional Administration with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). “For the first time I visited Borodyanka on June 5, 2022. At the same time she saw what the destruction was done by Russia.

Standing here today, with you, I give honor to Ukrainian undeniable determination and strength to restore my community. Independent Ukraine inspires the world with its courage, determination and unwavering faith in a sovereign and democratic future. This is what I saw again and again, since I came to Kiev - a continuous desire to resist and live freely.

The American people are proud that they support Ukrainians in their protection and restoration, ”said the US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink, which was also present at the opening of the sculpture. The Borodyan Territorial Community plans to build new apartment buildings on the site. Also, within the framework of the general reconstruction will be reconstruction of the central square named after Taras Shevchenko.