The municipal administration said they made the decision after the mayor's office received numerous requests from local veterans and youth organization representatives.
"We could not leave a request made by participants in the Great Patriotic War, especially during the anniversary year, unattended to or satisfied. It is no secret that our front-line soldiers fought under the slogan 'For the Homeland! For Stalin!' I believe that the deputies were right in displaying their civic position," Anatoly Popov, Mirny mayor and chairman of the District Assembly, told the local media.
Mirny citizens have long questioned perpetuating the memory of Stalin. Polls on this theme were held among Mirny residents. The results of the polls showed that the number of those who back the veterans' proposal was greater. It is interesting that young people, too, actively supported the idea of erecting a monument to Stalin.
"Our grandfathers' opinions are sacred to us," said Alexander Derevyanko, a leader of the city youth organization My Generation and decorated with the Order of Courage.
Mirny officials said all the necessary work will be done shortly and a monument to Stalin will be put up in the city square on VE Day.
