Ukraine replaces Soviet symbols with national coat of arms on Kyiv's Motherland monument

• The Soviet-era hammer-and-sickle was replaced with the Ukrainian trident on the 200-foot Motherland statue.
• The move is part of Ukraine's push to reclaim its cultural identity and reject Russian and Soviet influence.
• Motherland monument was erected in 1981 when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union.
• Removal of Soviet symbols from public spaces has accelerated since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
• Change comes ahead of Ukrainian Independence Day and is seen as a bold affirmation of Ukraine's sovereignty.

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