But where are the new Stalin statues erected in Russia? My husband worked several years in Moscow and traveled to St. Petersburg and other places, didn't see anything like in your experience. He did see an old statue of Stalin not in Russia but in Gori, Georgia, Stalin's home town. That's the only one he ever saw.
In the past 4 years post-Crimea alone - Stalin revivalism has hit fever pitch at certain junctures. Example: the 70 year anniversary of Victory Day in 2015. That was my initial exposure.
And let’s not forget Lenin’s body lies in open display at the center of Red Square.
Much of the moral basis for Putin’s expansionist vision for Russia rests on the Soviet Union’s “victory” against the Nazis in World War II...and Stalin of course was at the helm.
Here is article on gold statue completed in 2017:
https://www.calvertjournal.com/news/show/8955/statues-soviet-leaders-moscows-alley-rulers