A recent survey indicates that nearly 80% of Kyiv residents favor transforming the site of the former Lenin monument in Bessarabia Square into an accessible public space featuring a fountain. The poll, conducted by the Rating Group, coincides with the celebrations for Kyiv Day.
Of those surveyed, 58% expressed full support for the initiative, while 21% leaned towards support. Conversely, 6% of respondents were somewhat opposed, 11% were fully against it, and 5% were undecided.
The survey was carried out between May 22 and May 27, 2026, using face-to-face interviews with 1,200 participants aged 18 and older. The sample was representative in terms of age and gender, with a margin of error not exceeding 2.8%.
For context, the Lenin monument was toppled by activists in December 2013 during the Euromaidan protests, sparking ongoing debates about its replacement. In 2025, plans were proposed to create an accessible public area with a fountain funded by donations. Currently, the municipal corporation Kyivavtodor has initiated procurement procedures through the Prozorro electronic system, aiming for project completion by 2027.
According to Valentyn Mondriivskyi, Deputy Head of the Kyiv City State Administration, the project aims to develop the area in line with accessibility principles and modern urban standards. Renderings reveal plans for two new pedestrian crossings, which were previously absent, along with landscaping, benches, lighting, pathways, and a fountain similar to one located at Volodymyrska Hill.
A recent survey reveals that a significant majority of Kyiv residents support the creation of a new public space at Bessarabia Square, where a Lenin monument once stood. The initiative aims to enhance accessibility and modernize the area, with plans for completion by 2027.
Source: Rating Group