Bohodukhiv: A statute of Christ made from 20,000 Russian munitions unveiled

The statue of Christ, created from Russian munitions, is covered in gold and weighs around one tonne. Photo: Bohodukhiv District Council website

On 4 March 2025, a statue of Christ made from Russian munitions, collected from the territory of the Derhachi and Zolochiv communities in the Kharkiv region, was unveiled at the Alley of Glory in Bohodukhiv. According to the Bohodukhiv District Council, the statue is covered in gold and weighs around one ton.

The "Cross of Peace" was created by American artist of Ukrainian descent Sergey Melnikoff and metalworker Viktor Belchyk in autumn 2024 in Odesa.

"The artists made the cross from 15 meters of pipes, which emergency service workers from Kharkiv and Odesa dismantled from houses damaged by Russian missile strikes. The cross is mounted on anti-tank obstacle defense made from tram depot rails in Kharkiv. These were manufactured at a factory after World War II," the district council explained.

The value of this work lies not in its gold coating, but in the "uniqueness of the manufacturing technique".

"Not a single fragment that makes up the figure of Christ has been mechanically altered. Each piece retains its authentic form, giving the sculpture a special depth and truthfulness. Melnikoff used the image of Christ made from munitions fragments to emphasize the significance of each human life, which can so easily be destroyed by war," the statement reads.

The district council also informs that the installation is the "central element" of a project to raise awareness for the creation of the Mother Teresa Rehabilitation Centre in Albania for Ukrainian children who have lost limbs due to the conflict.

The installation is set to be presented in 14 settlements across Ukraine, as well as on Mount Hoverla, by mid-April 2025, according to the Bohodukhiv District Council. Afterward, the exhibition will travel to cities across Europe.

As previously reported by the UOJ, the "Altar of Freedom" with icons was opened in Kyiv.

Read also