Bulgaria Soviet monument in Sofia gets Ukraine twist

25 February 2014

Photo of a soviet monument in Sofia after being painted in Ukraine's colours (23 February 2014) — Image caption,
The monument in the centre of Sofia has been painted on by artists many times

A Soviet monument in Sofia, Bulgaria has been painted in the colours of the Ukrainian flag, sparking protest from Russia.

Unknown artists painted the Monument to the Soviet Army on Saturday night, local media reported.

Russia has since demanded an explanation of the "vandal incident", the Itar-Tass agency reported.

It is the latest in a series of modifications of the monument which have tried to make political points.

Photo of a Soviet monument in Sofia after being painted in pink (21 August 2013) — Image caption,
The writing painted on the statue in August 2013 said "Bulgaria apologises", a reference to the invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968

Action heroes, Santa and Ronald McDonald adorn a Soviet monument in Sofia (17 June 2011) — Image caption,
In 2011, action heroes, Santa and Ronald McDonald adorned the monument along with the words "Moving with the times"

Photo of a soviet monument in Sofia (17 August 2013) — Image caption,
In August last year, the figures received a Pussy-Riot style makeover in honour of the anti-Putin band