Mrs. Chuzhikova, you lead the expert team of restorers of the humanitarian foundation “Pokolenie” working on the monument to the Tsar Liberator Alexander. What has been done so far on it? Bulgarian specialists have found that the statue of the emperor is in a very poor condition and needs to be restored. Initially we saw photos but one cannot get an accurate picture of the extent of violations. In the summer of last year for the first time I saw the live monument. We examined it with a boom and took samples. We understood that we have a tough job. We saw that most injured were the horse’s legs.

The group of restorers, who worked on the monument here, in Bulgaria, is unique. These are highly qualified people. Bulgarian restorers did a unique work. We supervised and facilitated their activities. The restoration project is Bulgarian and the humanitarian foundation of Andrei Scotch “Pokolenie” helped with funding.

If we had not started work on its revival, there existed a real risk that it would be destroyed.

 How much is the complete restoration?

All activities are not completed yet and it is early to say. In all cases the final amount will exceed the estimated sum in advance. It is financed 100% by the foundation. Not a single lev municipal or state money was spent – either Russian or Bulgarian.

Do you know about any other monument to restore in our country? You mentioned Pleven...

I will not reveal our plans now. When a final decision is taken, then we’ll talk. There are a lot of Russian monuments in Bulgaria. But there is one to which I have a special attitude – both positive and negative. It is the Monument to the Soviet Army.

You know, all my family has fought. My grandmother Vasilisa sent to the front four sons, one of them is my father. My grandfather also fought. These monuments are dear to us because they are to people who gave their lives so that we can live. You may like them or not. I accept as normal when from the square they move the bones of the dead in the cemetery. They did so in Budapest for example. But I cannot look calmly when outrages are committed over them. Only very weak people can clarify their terms with the dead. Still these are soldiers who followed orders. I do not impose my views on anyone. It seems to me that it is humane.