BELGRADE. June 3 (Interfax) - The destruction of the monument to the Soviet marshal Georgy Zhukov in Kharkiv was an act of vandalism which will certainly be condemned by the Ukrainian people, State Duma speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said.
Volodin, who is in Serbia for a working visit on Monday, laid wreaths at the memorial to the Liberators of Belgrade and a monument to a Soviet soldier. "We are grateful to our Serbian friends for tending the graves of our fathers and grandfathers who gave their lives for your freedom and ours. This is an example for countries which are beginning to forget thanks to whom they are alive and building their future," Volodin told journalists following the ceremony.
Unfortunately, "the world still encounters manifestations of cynicism and ungratefulness," he said.
"The recent act of vandalism in Kharkiv - the destruction of the bust of Marshal Zhukov - awakens condemnation in everyone who remembers our war heroes. I am certain that the Ukrainian people will give an assessment of those wrecking our shared memory," Volodin said.
The day before, a group of Ukrainian nationalists and radicals tore down the Zhukov bust which stood near a sports palace in Kharkiv and hoisted the Ukrainian national flag on the pedestal.
Kharkiv mayor Hennadiya Kernes said the monument will soon be restored using funds of the charity Revival, which was set up by parliamentarian Vitaliy Khomutynnik.