Duke de Richelieu monument uncovered in Odesa, corrosion found

On August 16, municipal workers in Odesa uncovered the Duke de Richelieu monument, which had been protected by sandbags since March 2022 to prevent potential damage from Russian attacks or debris. The monument, located in the city center on Prymorskyi Boulevard in front of the iconic Potemkin Stairs, was initially surrounded by sandbags without any ventilation gaps, which could have led to corrosion and damage over time due to constant moisture and pressure.

The decision to remove the protective covering was made during an extraordinary session of the Odesa City Council on July 14, with Council member Oleh Zviahin advocating for the removal of sandbags as they might pose a threat to the monument. Following the removal of the sandbags, corrosion was discovered on the monument's surface, though an initial inspection suggested that the monument had not suffered any critical damage or lost any elements.

Experts emphasized that despite the corrosion, the monument's condition was not dire, but years of exposure to damp pressure had left visible signs of damage. Once the remaining protective structures are cleared from Prymorskyi Boulevard, a detailed expert inspection and comprehensive restoration plan will be implemented for the Duke monument, which was unveiled in 1828 and is considered one of Odesa's most notable landmarks.