MOSCOW, November 13. /TASS/. Yelena Chesakova, who attempted to place the Russian flag on the pedestal of the dismantled monument of Catherine the Great in Odessa, is an inspiration, reminding people worldwide how important the truth is, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said during a briefing.

Chesakova attempted to hang the Russian flag on the pedestal of the monument, taken down in 2022, in October of this year. According to media reports, the woman was detained and put under house arrest, and the city authorities subsequently put a guard near the pedestal. The media also reported that the national liberation movement was becoming more active in Odessa and other cities.

"We are well aware that millions of Ukrainian citizens share Yelena Chesakova’s views," Zakharova noted. "She stood up and took action, and people followed her. I think this was an awakening for many people that it is necessary to fight for truth, for freedom, for true values. A great many people on the planet are awakening to this now."

The diplomat pointed out that Chesakova has not reneged on her convictions even under the threat of imprisonment, and this deserves respect.

"I believe that this is a most sincere and incredible display of civic courage; not only in the interest of one country and one people - and this is undoubtedly so, because, I am certain, it was done in the interest of the people who have been living in Ukraine for generations. But it was also done to defend the truth worldwide, both historical and contemporary," Zakharova underscored.

The ministry spokeswoman also added that, in the current circumstances, it would be difficult for Russia to provide any support to this woman beyond its political backing and some information, because Russia has no diplomatic or consular presence in Odessa at this point.