The Pyotr Tchaikovsky National Music Academy of Ukraine (UNTAM) refused earlier this week to remove the name of the iconic Russian composer from its official title.
Removing links to Russia in the names of streets and various entities has become a trend in Ukraine since the launch of Moscow’s military operation in the country. Earlier this week, it was decided to give new names to several stations of the Kiev subway. For example, Leo Tolstoy Square has been renamed in honor of Vasyl Stus, a local poet. There is also a proposal to change all Pushkin Streets across Ukraine to bear the name of the American writer Stephen King, who has condemned the Russian offensive.
However, the academic board of the Kiev conservatory, which convened on Thursday, made it clear that the organization had no intention of joining this trend.