Ukraine's Communist Party unveiled on Wednesday a monument to Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin despite protests by President Viktor Yanukovych.
The party initiated the installation of the monument in Zaporozhye, south-central Ukraine, ahead of World War II Victory Day celebrations on May 9.
The monument was erected on the territory of the party's regional committee. Some 500 people, including WWII veterans and party members, attended the opening ceremony.
The construction of the statue was demanded by Ukrainian war veterans who want to commemorate Stalin's contribution to the Soviet Union in winning the war.
Many political forces in Ukraine have voiced protests against the construction of the monument to the controversial Soviet leader.
During Stalin's reign, millions of people across the U.S.S.R. were executed on false charges of espionage, sabotage and anti-Soviet propaganda or died of starvation, disease or exposure in labor camps.
President Yanukovych had earlier proposed holding a local referendum on the issue.
However, a spokesman for the party said the construction is within the law and no special permission or referendum was needed to erect the monument.
KIEV, May 5 (RIA Novosti)
