Artist turns Lenin statue into Darth Vader statue in Ukraine

A statue of communist leader Vladimir Lenin has been transformed into one of Darth Vader by a local artist in Ukraine.

The statue presides over an old factory on the outskirts of Odessa, one of Ukraine’s largest cities. The conversion of the Lenin monument is in line with a new law in the country banning communist symbols.

“After the de-communisation law was adopted earlier this year, we had to decide what to do with the monument (of Lenin),” artist Oleksandr Milov told Agence France Presse. “Honestly, I did not like the idea of destroying it, so we decided on a more flexible solution.”

It’s just one sign of the presence of the Force in Ukrainian politics, the International Business Times reports. Apparently, the conversion was sponsored by the country’s Internet Party, which is led by a candidate called—you guessed it—Darth Vader, who is running in Odessa’s mayoral elections. The site writes that Vader has been spotted campaigning around town:

The main candidate of the Internet Party of Ukraine, named after the legendary Star Wars villain Darth Vader, is campaigning in Odessa, cruising through the town on a black van to the sound of the Imperial March from the saga. The Sith Lord often seen flanked by his loyal storm troopers and Chewbacca is the official candidate of the party which has become known for its theatrical public stunts.

Vader and storm troopers were recently seen waving at passers-by from atop the van as flames shot up at the helm of the vehicle. “When I am appointed to my position, I will distribute free accommodation as a first policy,” the man dressed as Darth Vader said.

Odessa’s elections take place tomorrow. People passing by the statue will reportedly also be able to access free wi-fi through a router in Darth Vader’s helmet.