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The Zaisan Memorial, a symbol of Soviet-Mongolian friendship, has undergone its first major public restoration since it was originally built in the late 1970s.
The restoration took place last year, funded by the Leningrad Region of Russia, in commemoration of the 85th anniversary of the Soviet-Mongolian victory at the Battle of Khalkh River.
At the reopening ceremony held on January 26, 2025, Ulaanbaatar Mayor Kh.Nyambaatar remarked, “The Zaisan Memorial structure has sustained significant damage over the past 40 years. This restoration was long overdue. The Russian Federation allocated over 50 million rubles for the project. Mongolian construction companies participated as subcontractors during the restoration. To better preserve the site moving forward, surveillance cameras with an integrated monitoring system will be installed throughout the Zaisan Memorial complex to prevent vandalism and other violations”.
We spoke with Matel Ekaterina Andreevna, Deputy Head of the Irkutsk Regional Branch of the All-Russian Society for the Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments and architect-restorer of the Third Region. She oversaw the recent restoration of the Zaisan Memorial Complex.
At the beginning of our conversation, she noted:
“Since the monument was first constructed, it had never undergone restoration. We weren’t even officially informed of its classification, just told that it was a historical and cultural monument. I’m still unsure which category it falls under according to Mongolian law.
Back then, the Ministry of Culture asked, ‘Do you have a license to undertake this kind of work? Do you have official permission from the Russian Ministry of Culture?”.
Why did you decide to restore the Zaisan Memorial?
Hello, and thank you for having me.
Zaisan Memorial holds deep historical and cultural significance for the people of Mongolia. In recent years, the site had deteriorated significantly due to both natural factors and vandalism, which made restoration urgently necessary.
Our team works in coordination with the Russian Ministry of Culture and in line with their recommendations. Typically, such a restoration would take around 18 months. However, we received the directive to complete the work before the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Khalkhin Gol, so we had just six months.
We began discussions in March 2024, and work officially started in August, 2024. It was a tight and challenging schedule, but we made it work.
We brought essential materials from Irkutsk, including mosaic tiles, which are central to the monument’s imagery. The Mongolian construction companies we collaborated with focused on improving the surroundings—stairs, handrails, and the like. They also handled heavy lifting with cranes, such as tiles and ladders.
There was a very warm and cooperative atmosphere on-site. Since the work took place at an elevation, it was a hassle to descend just for meals. But everyone stayed committed, and we managed to complete the project on time.
Is there a warranty period for the restoration work?
Yes, we provide a five-year warranty, but only for natural wear and tear, such as damage caused by wind or dirt. Unfortunately, we can’t take responsibility for damage caused by vandalism.
I’m currently in Mongolia to attend the First Conference of Restoration, themed “Looking into the Future Through Yesterday” (held on May 20, 2025). It’s a valuable opportunity for cultural professionals from Mongolia and Russia to exchange knowledge and strengthen cooperation.
Yesterday, I visited Zaisan Monument again and was saddened to see new graffiti on the site. This kind of behavior is unacceptable. It’s up to local citizens to hold each other accountable. Protecting historical monuments is a personal and civic responsibility.
Some Mongolians believe that Russia should take responsibility for the monument’s upkeep. What’s your take?
Whether the Zaisan Memorial is preserved, restored, or registered as a national heritage site is ultimately a decision for Mongolia. This monument was originally a gift to symbolize the friendship between our countries. Neither the Russian Embassy nor the Ministry of Culture has a standing policy requiring us to restore it. From the presentations at the recent conference, I believe that the Zaisan Memorial could and should be officially registered as a cultural heritage site.
What was your overall impression of working in Mongolia?
Mongolia has a wonderful atmosphere. Your people are warm and welcoming and truly lovely. I met so many kind-hearted individuals. I’m very thankful and proud to have had the opportunity to work on this restoration and contribute to preserving such an important symbol.
Thank you for your time.
The Zaisan Memorial, a symbol of Soviet-Mongolian friendship, has undergone its first major public restoration since it was originally built in the late 1970s.
The restoration took place last year, funded by the Leningrad Region of Russia, in commemoration of the 85th anniversary of the Soviet-Mongolian victory at the Battle of Khalkh River.
At the reopening ceremony held on January 26, 2025, Ulaanbaatar Mayor Kh.Nyambaatar remarked, “The Zaisan Memorial structure has sustained significant damage over the past 40 years. This restoration was long overdue. The Russian Federation allocated over 50 million rubles for the project. Mongolian construction companies participated as subcontractors during the restoration. To better preserve the site moving forward, surveillance cameras with an integrated monitoring system will be installed throughout the Zaisan Memorial complex to prevent vandalism and other violations”.
We spoke with Matel Ekaterina Andreevna, Deputy Head of the Irkutsk Regional Branch of the All-Russian Society for the Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments and architect-restorer of the Third Region. She oversaw the recent restoration of the Zaisan Memorial Complex.
At the beginning of our conversation, she noted:
“Since the monument was first constructed, it had never undergone restoration. We weren’t even officially informed of its classification, just told that it was a historical and cultural monument. I’m still unsure which category it falls under according to Mongolian law.
Back then, the Ministry of Culture asked, ‘Do you have a license to undertake this kind of work? Do you have official permission from the Russian Ministry of Culture?”.
Why did you decide to restore the Zaisan Memorial?
Hello, and thank you for having me.
Zaisan Memorial holds deep historical and cultural significance for the people of Mongolia. In recent years, the site had deteriorated significantly due to both natural factors and vandalism, which made restoration urgently necessary.
Our team works in coordination with the Russian Ministry of Culture and in line with their recommendations. Typically, such a restoration would take around 18 months. However, we received the directive to complete the work before the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Khalkhin Gol, so we had just six months.
We began discussions in March 2024, and work officially started in August, 2024. It was a tight and challenging schedule, but we made it work.
We brought essential materials from Irkutsk, including mosaic tiles, which are central to the monument’s imagery. The Mongolian construction companies we collaborated with focused on improving the surroundings—stairs, handrails, and the like. They also handled heavy lifting with cranes, such as tiles and ladders.
There was a very warm and cooperative atmosphere on-site. Since the work took place at an elevation, it was a hassle to descend just for meals. But everyone stayed committed, and we managed to complete the project on time.
Is there a warranty period for the restoration work?
Yes, we provide a five-year warranty, but only for natural wear and tear, such as damage caused by wind or dirt. Unfortunately, we can’t take responsibility for damage caused by vandalism.
I’m currently in Mongolia to attend the First Conference of Restoration, themed “Looking into the Future Through Yesterday” (held on May 20, 2025). It’s a valuable opportunity for cultural professionals from Mongolia and Russia to exchange knowledge and strengthen cooperation.
Yesterday, I visited Zaisan Monument again and was saddened to see new graffiti on the site. This kind of behavior is unacceptable. It’s up to local citizens to hold each other accountable. Protecting historical monuments is a personal and civic responsibility.
Some Mongolians believe that Russia should take responsibility for the monument’s upkeep. What’s your take?
Whether the Zaisan Memorial is preserved, restored, or registered as a national heritage site is ultimately a decision for Mongolia. This monument was originally a gift to symbolize the friendship between our countries. Neither the Russian Embassy nor the Ministry of Culture has a standing policy requiring us to restore it. From the presentations at the recent conference, I believe that the Zaisan Memorial could and should be officially registered as a cultural heritage site.
What was your overall impression of working in Mongolia?
Mongolia has a wonderful atmosphere. Your people are warm and welcoming and truly lovely. I met so many kind-hearted individuals. I’m very thankful and proud to have had the opportunity to work on this restoration and contribute to preserving such an important symbol.
Thank you for your time.