Stalin Returns to Moscow Metro: A Controversial Anniversary

Moscow Metro Unveils Controversial Stalin Bas-Relief A new bas-relief depicting Joseph Stalin has been unveiled in Moscow's Taganskaya metro station, stirring debate and highlighting the complex legacy of the Soviet leader. The monument, a replica of a similar sculpture removed during the de-Stalinization campaign, was reinstalled to mark the 90th anniversary of the Moscow Metro and the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II. The video shows the bas-relief, which features Stalin surrounded by citizens on Red Square. Some residents have welcomed the monument as a tribute to Soviet achievements, from industrialization to wartime leadership. "It's a reminder of our history and the sacrifices made," said one resident, while others have questioned the decision, raising concerns about Stalin's authoritarian past. A 2021 survey revealed that over half of Russians regard Stalin as a great leader. The restoration is part of a larger effort to revitalize historical sites in Moscow. However, the inclusion of Stalin, a figure associated with immense suffering and oppression, remains a contentious issue, sparking discussions about Russia's past and its national identity.