In the heart of Bari, Italy, a small copper plaque, mounted near the Basilica of St. Nicholas, has become a focal point of controversy. This plaque, commemorating a message of “friendship and cooperation” between the city and the Russian people, bears the signature of President Vladimir V. Putin. Initially overlooked by locals and the thousands of pilgrims visiting the basilica, the plaque now stands as a symbol of discord, especially among the growing Ukrainian community in the area.
The plaque, a replica of a letter sent by Putin in 2003, has remained largely unnoticed until the recent geopolitical turmoil. Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has prompted many, particularly local Ukrainians, to view it as an emblem of hypocrisy. Alessandro de Biase, a local businessman, voices a common sentiment: “Since Putin has been declared an international criminal, to have that plaque and to have his signature and his name on it, and display it proudly in front of the church, is offensive.” De Biase even suggests enlisting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s help to remove the plaque.
Bari’s ties with Russia, Ukraine, and other Slavic nations are historically deep, anchored by the veneration of St. Nicholas, whose relics were moved to Bari in the late 11th century. The saint, known as a miracle worker and the original Santa Claus, has been a unifying figure across these cultures. Putin’s homage to St. Nicholas in 2007, and Bari’s reciprocal gesture of transferring ownership of a local Orthodox church to Russia, marked an era of warmer diplomacy. However, these gestures now seem like relics of a bygone era, overshadowed by the present conflict.
The issue of the plaque’s removal has garnered local support but faced bureaucratic inertia. Previous petitions, including one with 12,000 signatures, have failed to prompt action. Confusion over jurisdiction—whether it lies with the city government or the basilica’s administration—has stalled efforts. Bari’s mayor, Antonio Decaro, has been notably silent on the matter, previously defending the plaque as a piece of history not to be erased.
Father Giovanni Distante, the basilica’s rector, underscores the broader historical context, highlighting St. Nicholas’s role in promoting Christian unity. He subtly references the schism within the Orthodox Church, exacerbated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
While recognizing the significance of the plaque, Father Distante advocates for patience and unity.The residents of Bari, particularly its Ukrainian community, remain steadfast in their call for the plaque’s removal, viewing it as a necessary step towards justice.
