Ukraine is preparing for another stage of decommunization — this time, it concerns the names of two regions that still retain Soviet-era toponyms. The Kirovohrad and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts may soon be renamed to reflect the already updated names of their regional centers — Kropyvnytskyi and Dnipro, respectively.
Discussions on this issue have been ongoing for years, as both cities were officially renamed back in 2016. However, changing the name of a region requires amendments to the Constitution — and such changes can only take place after martial law is lifted.
In the case of Kirovohrad Oblast, the most likely new name is Kropyvnytskyi Oblast, in line with its administrative center. For Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, two options are under consideration — Dnipro Oblast or Sicheslav Oblast, although no final decision has been made yet.
Renaming these administrative units is not only about historical justice but also a logical continuation of the decommunization process in Ukraine. However, the final decision will have to wait until the country returns to a peaceful state, making it possible to amend the Constitution accordingly.
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