Krasnodar's Park Protests: A Clash Between Green Spaces and Religious Development

In Krasnodar, plans to construct a church honoring Russia’s war dead in a riverside park have sparked protests. Residents appealed to President Putin to preserve the green space, citing legal concerns. Despite religious tensions, protestors mainly focus on conservation. The opposition has intensified despite criticism from a religious TV channel.

In the southern city of Krasnodar, plans to construct a church to honor Russia's war dead have ignited rare public resistance. Residents have appealed directly to President Vladimir Putin, urging him to abandon the project in favor of preserving a cherished park along the Kuban river.

A video circulating online depicts a local reading the appeal to a supportive crowd, who insist on maintaining the park in the Yubileiny district for future generations. The protesters argue that their stand isn't against religion, but against disregarding public opinion. In the midst of heightened governmental control, such protests are exceedingly uncommon in Russia.

Authorities describe the church as a tribute to the "heroes of the special military operation" — a reference to the war. However, residents oppose the potential development of the embankment. A local Communist politician, Alexander Safronov, highlighted that though the community doesn't oppose the church, they prioritize conserving the green space. Meanwhile, a conservative religious network criticized the objectors, which only galvanized protest support further.

(With inputs from agencies.)