Controversial Chicago Mural of Ukrainian Refugee Vandalized

A controversial mural of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska in Chicago's North Center was vandalized, appearing dotted with black paint at the Montrose and Western location as of Jan. 23, 2026. The mural—part of a U.S. campaign backed by Elon Musk and launched by Intercom CEO Eoghan McCabe—has drawn mixed reactions because Zarutska's family was not consulted and political figures have cited the killing in national crime debates.