Maria Shukshina explained the opening of the monument to Stalin, in which her grandfather was shot

Unveiled in Luki monument by sculptor Mikhail Krasilnikov wanted to install first in Volgograd, but the local authorities did not agree to this. But the “sympathetic” management of the Velikoluksky plant agreed.

Why is Stalin so great for you?

– With your asceticism! Maria Shukshina says – After the death of all the property of Stalin, only a tunic and trampled boots remained. A person did not think so much about himself, but worked for the well-being of the country and people – this is the main quality of a state ruler for me. There was nothing from personal property at all. No diamonds, no castles, no villas, no fleet of cars, no helicopters, no yachts. Nothing!

Well, then for me Stalin’s ability to foresee ten years ahead is valuable. Stalin actually stopped the persecution of the Church. And he made attempts to do this even under Lenin – in 1923. In 1936, Stalin banned abortion. According to the census, the population during the years of Stalin’s rule increased by 60 million people. In 1943, Stalin restored the patriarchate. But his undertakings were curtailed already in the Khrushchev years.

– In your speech at the opening of the monument, you called Stalin a “God-given leader”…

– As an Orthodox person, I treat Joseph Vissarionovich with respect and reverence. Many ministers of the church call Stalinism the Providence of God. And such Moscow patriarchs as Sergius and Alexy, and the very revered Saint Luke Voyno-Yasenetsky, called Stalin the God-given, God-given leader of Russia. And not only our saints, but if you remember, then Marshal Rokossovsky, who also sat under Stalin, in a conversation with Khrushchev categorically refused to his demand to throw mud at Stalin and said: “Comrade Stalin is a saint for me.” After that, the marshal was removed from all posts.

Therefore, many people who stand on the positions of Orthodoxy accept Stalin. And while Chubais is laying flowers on Trotsky’s grave, we are opening a monument to Stalin.

– What criticism did you face after the opening of the monument?

This is not criticism, this is anger! I read all sorts of liberal clichés from organizations recognized by foreign agents. In their rhetoric, if Stalin was installed, then we will now return to repressions. This is a discrediting of our history, which they have methodically been doing for 30 years. They do not yet pass to the individual in relation to me. But soon, I feel, they will not deny themselves this pleasure, as usual. And they hate Stalin and are afraid to this day.

– But after all, Stalin’s repressions affected your family …

– My grandfather was shot in 1933. And the families of some who spoke at the opening of the monument also suffered, I know.

Saint Luke Voyno-Yasenetsky also sat under the Leader, and when he was released, he called Stalin the God-given, God-given leader of Russia. A difficult moral choice is understandable. But for the fact that they shot my grandfather, I cannot hate the man who saved the country and the church.

I have little choice – for my grandfather, who was shot, to wet Stalin and deny his role in the victory in the Great Patriotic War, as liberals do?

When Yezhov was removed and shot, and Beria came to his place, the repressions decreased tenfold. I study different journalism. The scientist and remarkable publicist Sergei Georgievich Kara-Murza says that if Stalin had not dealt with the “fifth column” before the war, we would not have won the war.

– And what did you meet more – criticism or support?

– More support. I talked with factory workers: with workers, with engineers and the management of the team – right on the street. They are all just happy about this event (the opening of a monument to Stalin on their territory – “MK”), because they want a strong hand. They want such a government.

Stalin solved grandiose unbearable tasks. In 1931, he said that “We are 50-100 years behind the advanced countries and must cover this distance in 10 years, otherwise we will be crushed.” He was able to mobilize the country. And what historical accuracy! For 10 years, exactly – from 1931 to 1941. GDP growth during this period was 20% per year. If not for this military-technical breakthrough, we would have lost the war, because we were not ready for it. Neither the Japanese, nor the German, nor the Chinese military miracle was even close to the Stalinist miracle – that’s what it is called.

Everyone wants, if we have already embarked on the rails of patriotism, as in the 30s of Stalin’s rule, not to leave them. When it became obvious that instead of a world revolution there would be a world war, Stalin realized that he could win it only by relying on Russian culture, history and the Russian people. They returned all the saints who were stigmatized. In 1938, the film “Alexander Nevsky” was filmed, because he fought with the Germans and won. It was jewelry ideological work. It was carried out decisively and purposefully.

– How did your relatives react to the opening of the monument by you, mother?

– Fine. She is in the same position. As Socrates said, “Plato is my friend, but the truth is dearer.” There is no city like Stalingrad. There was a battle, but there is no city. We are the only country that tries not to mention Stalin’s name anywhere – neither in the names of streets, nor even in the names of cities.

In our country, Stalingrad is associated with blood and sacrifice. And there is a change in this. Russians are deliberately made into barbarians and monsters. There is only one goal: to plant a feeling of guilt, shame and fear in us, and then manipulate us as much as they like.

As a result of this manipulation, the spirit of victorious descendants is taken away from us, the merits and heroism of our ancestors are belittled, and victory is taken away. They take away a sense of respect and pride in our history. And if you have nothing to be proud of, then you are serfs and slaves.

The theme of repentance is raised in order to devalue everything Soviet: experience, achievements and victory. And it turns out that we are opening a monument on a private property in Velikiye Luki. Officials are afraid to take responsibility. It is clear that while such monuments will stand on private territories.

– According to our information, in total this year 3-4 new monuments to Stalin may appear in Russia. How soon, in your opinion, should we wait for the opening of the monument in the center of the capital?

– Place a monument to Stalin right on Red Square. But, I believe, it will be installed not earlier than in 10-15 years.

PS In the family of the editor of this interview, during the period of Stalinist repressions, three people were shot, including one clergyman, 12 were dispossessed and sent into exile.