In an incident too metaphorically perfect to make up, a monument to Russia’s currency has been sent tumbling to Earth in the northern Russian town of Syktyvkar.
In 2015 the Central Bank’s branch in the republic of Komi unveiled the metal and glass sculpture of the currency symbol, a Cyrillic letter “R,” which is identical in shape to the Latin letter “P,” with a horizontal score through it.
The statue “shattered in pieces” when it fell, the local news website pg11.ru reported, citing a witness.
Local police are examining security camera footage, its press service told the Moskva Radio station.
“The statue has been dismantled and taken away,” Syktyvkar Interior Ministry spokeswoman Vera Zheleztsova was quoted as saying.
The incident comes the same month new U.S. sanctions and a spike in the Syrian conflict sent the ruble to its lowest levels since 2016, before recovering some ground.
The ruble is currently trading at 62.66 against the U.S. dollar.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
