Kiev. This is a subject that gives us all something to reflect upon indeed. This image is of the Mother of the Motherland Statue overlooking the Dnieper River in Kiev, Ukraine. This mother of all statues was built by the Soviet Union and inaugurated in 1981 to memorialize the millions who died in the Great Patriotic War (World War II) but it’s presence today may be giving us more to reflect upon than war dead.  This huge structure is over 200-feet tall and dominates the entryway to Kiev. While many in Kiev consider the statue a monstrosity, given the recent events in this country it is worth reflecting upon such a statue representing the Rodina, the Russian Motherland, still standing in Kiev.  A close up of the shield held aloft is shown below.  Need anything else be said?

The statue overlooks the Dnieper River, which remains polluted to the present day from radioactive waste from Chernobyl about 70 miles upstream. Another gift that keeps on giving from the former Soviet Union.

These images were taken during a business trip to Kiev in 2012. This is a beautiful city with wonderful people. The uncertain future of this country gives us all much to reflect upon.

Travel safe.  Have fun.

See more reflections here.