Daghestani officials are on a manhunt for the vandals who desecrated images of soldiers who perished in Ukraine.
In the heart of Makhachkala, Daghestan's capital, an act of vandalism has caused a stir. Unknown individuals damaged billboards featuring portraits of participants in Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, desecrating these symbols of remembrance.
Makhachkala Mayor Dzhambulat Salavov described the incident as 'desecration' and 'an act of vandalism'. He assured the public that the damaged billboards would be replaced in the near future.
The incident occurred on Peter I Avenue, a bustling street in the city. The billboards, displaying photographs of participants in Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, were marred with holes and marks, apparently from a ballpoint pen and crayons.
Salavov stated that the actions of the unknown individuals could not be regarded as mere hooliganism. He emphasised that this was a deep insult to the warriors who gave their lives, their families, and the residents of the city.
The government of Daghestan announced the replacement of the damaged billboards with new ones, continuing their campaign to honour those who lost their lives in the conflict.
However, cases of damage to objects connected with participants in the fighting in Ukraine are relatively rare. In June 2023, neurologist Ivan Churinov was found guilty of splashing paint on banners with portraits of participants in the war in a court in Novocherkassk and was fined ₽800,000 ($10,000).
In addition to billboards, memorial steles are installed, ceremonies are held in schools and educational institutions, and streets and squares are renamed in Daghestan to commemorate the dead. A square and a monument were opened in Makhachkala in 2023 in honour of a marine battalion commander who was killed in the war.
More recently, a memorial wall was opened in the settlement of Dubki in Kazbekovsky district in June 2025 to commemorate soldiers killed in the war.
As of August 2022, 1,642 residents of Daghestan have been confirmed to have been killed in the war in Ukraine. The exact number of casualties is a stark reminder of the human cost of the conflict.
No official information about the ongoing investigation or the search for the perpetrators has been published by Daghestani law enforcement agencies. The incident serves as a call to action, reminding us of the importance of respect and remembrance.
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