Donetsk, Apr 18 - DAN. More than 130,000 residents of the Donetsk People’s Republic took part in the vote for the best memorial to first DPR Head Alexander Zakharchenko.
“There were 131,069 participants as of 11:00,” the voting website reported. Option 1 drew 27,973 votes, Option 2 - 28,770, Option 3 - 22,729, Option 4 - 8 132 and Option 5 - 43,465.
Option 5 is a dynamic composition symbolising the drive for new heights. It is shaped like a triumphal arc and the main gateway to central Donetsk parkland.
“Building the Alexander Zakharchenko memorial complex is a great thing. I believe it is the best the DPR people can do for the memory of Zakharchenko for the future generations. It will surely be built,” said Andrey Bedilo, an aide to the chairperson of the Donetsk Republic social movement’s Executive Committee.
Earlier reports said the memorial would be put up at the site of first DPR Head’s death in central Donetsk.
Zakharchenko opposed the government overthrow in Ukraine in which ultranationalists came to power. He called for Donbass residents’ right to determine the future of their region. On August 8, 2014 Zakharchenko was appointed Chairman of the Council of Ministers by the DPR Supreme Council. On November 2, 2014, he was elected head of the Republic.
Zakharchenko took office on November 4. He was wounded several times during the civil war in Ukraine. A Major-General, he was awarded the Golden Star of the Hero of the Republic and other decorations. He was killed in an explosion in central Donetsk on August 31, 2018.*jk