Elena Drapeko, First Deputy Chair of the State Duma Committee on Culture, believes that Pyotr Wrangel, a defeated general in Russian history who received support from the Entente, should not be commemorated with a monument. She expressed this view in a conversation with NEWS.ru, suggesting the removal of the monument dedicated to the White Movement figure in Rostov-on-Don.
Drapeko emphasized that simply being a "historical figure" is not sufficient justification for erecting a monument. In her opinion, such matters should better reflect public sentiment to avoid unsettling Russians.
The parliamentarian also recalled the controversy surrounding the installation of a memorial plaque for Finnish Marshal Carl Mannerheim in Saint Petersburg. The city virtually took to the streets to prevent this, she noted.
The Wrangel monument was inaugurated in Rostov-on-Don earlier in November. It was erected on the premises of the Second Don Cossack Emperor Nicholas II Cadet Corps. Local media report that the bust was initiated by the Historical and Educational Society named after Emperor Alexander III.
