Founders of Kiev #1.

This statue is the original "Founders of Kiev" statue. It was erected in 1982, during the late Soviet period. It broke in two February 2010.

Because of cost overruns incurred from the 1980 Olympics, a costly war in Afghanistan, and a economy that struggled even in the best of times, local government authorities were directed to find ways to cut costs wherever possible. it's generally agreed that this statue fell victim to these cost cutting efforts.

Over the years, the statue had become very popular among newlyweds seeking healthy lives together and good fortune in the future. What does it say about your marriage when a statue that was supposed to bestow healthy lives together and good fortune in the future breaks in two?

Local authorities have presumably finished restoring the statue for Kiev Day activities.