**Street in Oregon Renamed to Honor Ukrainian Independence**
A street in Springfield, Oregon, has been renamed from “Kiev” to “Kyiv”, a move that reflects the growing efforts by Ukraine and its allies worldwide to promote linguistic and political independence. The change was initiated by members of the Kyiv Independent’s global community.
Photos shared with the Kyiv Independent show the newly installed blue-and-yellow street sign, featuring the correct Ukrainian transliteration and national colors of Ukraine. This move is part of a broader effort to distance place names from Russian influences and honor Ukraine’s unique cultural identity.
“We’re very proud of our city (Springfield, OR, U.S.) for supporting our efforts to make this happen,” said one community member in an interview with the Kyiv Independent. This sentiment reflects the growing momentum behind recognizing Ukraine’s sovereignty, particularly since Russia’s invasion in 2022.
**From “Kiev” to “Kyiv”: Correcting a Legacy**
For decades, the international community has favored Russian-derived spellings for Ukrainian cities and places, such as Kiev, Lvov, and Odessa. This practice dates back to the Soviet era, when Ukraine was part of the USSR. Even after Ukraine declared independence in 1991, this legacy persisted.
However, following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its ongoing war in eastern Ukraine, there has been a shift towards using correct Ukrainian transliterations like Kyiv, Lviv, and Odesa. This change is not just about spelling; it reflects an effort to resist Russian imperial narratives and promote Ukraine’s sovereignty.
**A Symbolic Act of Solidarity**
The renaming of the street in Springfield, Oregon, serves as a symbolic act of solidarity with Ukraine. By using the correct Ukrainian spelling “Kyiv”, residents and visitors are acknowledging Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty. This move is also a response to Russia’s efforts to justify its expansionist policies by emphasizing historical ties to Kyiv.
As Ukraine continues to face challenges from Russia, community-led initiatives like this street renaming demonstrate that people worldwide are committed to supporting Ukraine’s struggle for independence and recognition.
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