(Reuters] – The mayor of Kyiv said that a Soviet-era memorial symbolizing friendship between Ukraine-Russia was destroyed in Kyiv Tuesday as a reaction to Russia’s invasion.

On a plinth was a Ukrainian-Russian worker holding a Soviet friendship order. It was found under the ‘People’s Friendship Arch’ that was erected to celebrate the 60th anniversary in 1982 of the Soviet Union.

The monument symbolised friendship between Russian and Ukrainian countries. Now we see the true meaning of ‘friendship’ – destruction and ruin of Ukrainian cities, deaths of hundreds of thousands of people, as well as the destruction of their lives. “I am certain such a monument now has an entirely new meaning,” Vitaly Klitschko, Kyiv Mayor said.

Russia invaded Ukraine in February 24, leaving thousands of people dead and injured.

Moscow refers to its actions as “special operations” meant to protect Ukraine from fascists and disarm Ukraine.

Both the Ukraine and West claim that this is a fake pretext for an unprovoked invasion of Ukraine to seize territory. It has created fears of larger conflict across Europe not seen since World War Two.

A crowd applauded as the monument fell, singing, “Glory Ukraine, glory for the heroes, glory for the nation Ukraine!”