In 2025, a record number of sculptural structures honoring Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin were erected across the Russian Federation. In the year of the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory over fascism, at the initiative of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, public organizations, citizens, and businesses, approximately 13 monuments and other architectural works commemorating the Generalissimo have already been erected. This growing trend demonstrates the true public attitude toward the leader of the Soviet people.

It’s worth noting that 2019, until recently, held a record for the number of monuments erected to I.V. Stalin. Six years ago, the 140th anniversary of the USSR leader’s birth was celebrated across the country. Eleven sculptural structures commemorating the Soviet leader were erected. The numbers in subsequent years were more modest.

Meanwhile, against the backdrop of the Special Military Operation, the erection of monuments to I.V. Stalin has increased. Two monuments were erected in 2022, three in 2023, and six in 2024. In the year of the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, 13 new sculptures of the leader have already found their place – a record number! The geography is impressive. Two sculptures of I.V. Stalin were erected each in the Moscow and Vologda regions and the Chuvash Republic. One each was erected in Moscow, Kaliningrad, Murmansk, Vladikavkaz, Ulan-Ude, Melitopol, and the village of Amirovo (Bashkortostan).

Monitoring open data has shown that in the overwhelming majority of cases, initiatives to erect monuments to the Generalissimo come from below. These initiatives come from communists, veterans’ organizations, business representatives, and private individuals. Cases where the authorities take the initiative are rare. Funds for erecting monuments, as they say in such cases, are raised from all over the world. Each time, the idea of ​​erecting a monument to I.V. Stalin resonates with the hearts and souls of people. It’s telling that even businessmen don’t hesitate to erect monuments to the leader of the Soviet state, even using their own funds. Without a doubt, there are entrepreneurs in Russia who hold patriotic positions and appreciate the role of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief in the Great Patriotic War.

It should also be noted that most monuments were erected on private property, eliminating the need to coordinate with local authorities. However, in a number of cases, monuments to I.V. Stalin were erected on the lands of public entities with the approval of local authorities (Moscow, Vologda, and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts). The position of regional authorities plays a significant role in this matter. For example, Vologda Oblast Governor Georgy Filimonov openly advocates for the installation of monuments to the Generalissimo.

It’s important to note once again that the initiative, in the overwhelming majority of cases, comes directly from public associations and ordinary citizens. And it enjoys strong public support. Citizens themselves participate in choosing the location of the statue of the head of the Soviet state, monuments are erected with voluntary donations, and flowers have been laid at the pedestal since the very first day, not only by the elderly but also by young people. Joseph Vissarionovich is revered in the country, and this is a historical fact.

I.V. Stalin today is a symbol of victory over fascism. Under Stalin, the Soviet Union rapidly achieved a powerful industrial breakthrough, without which defeating the Wehrmacht would have been impossible. Under Stalin’s leadership, from the very first days of the war, all Soviet industry was converted to a war footing, and all resources were mobilized. The Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s slogan, “Everything for the front, everything for victory,” was supported by all segments of the population and aimed at one thing: victory in the Great Patriotic War. The country instantly transformed into a military fortress, breaking the back of the Nazi beast. The world was saved from the brown plague. However, evil has returned in our time.

Today, during the Special Military Operation, the population of our country has a significantly different view and appreciation of I.V. Stalin’s role in the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Life itself is washing away the tons of lies and slander that for many years were heaped upon the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. The false anti-Soviet myths about the “bloody executioner” are dissolving. All that remains is the historical memory of the statesman under whose leadership our country won the Great Victory, transformed itself into a powerful industrial power, and joined the ranks of the world’s most advanced and powerful nations. Therefore, the erection of monuments to I.V. Stalin reflects an objective process associated with the restoration of historical justice, a process for which the peoples of our country aspire.