Dismantling of the Monument to the Soviet Army will cost 130,000 euros, Sofia regional governor Vyara Todeva has told BNT. Just its security costs 35,000 euros a year. On December 12, the hand holding a Soviet 'Shpagin' sub-machine gun was removed from the top figure of the monument. On December 13, another detail was taken down.

The dismantling process is carried out under heavy security due to the poor condition of the monument and the danger of falling parts. The elements will be removed in stages and stored for restoration, Todeva said. Dismantling will adhere as much as possible to the way the details of the monument were initially installed. She pointed out that the monument had been collapsing for years, without anyone taking responsibility for its management, which was transferred between state and municipal institutions.