Soviet star atop Russian building painted to look like Spongebob's sidekick

VORONEZH, Russia, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- A Soviet star atop a tower in a Russian city is going viral after vandals painted it with a familiar face: Patrick Star from Spongebob Squarepants.

Social media users posted photos of the star, which tops a Soviet-era tower in the city of Voronezh, after it was targeted by unknown vandals Oct. 25.

Poman Ponizovny, an official from Voronezh Central District, said the building is not considered a memorial, but it still retains symbols from the Soviet era. The red star is a symbol of communism worldwide, originally used by the Red Army beginning in about 1918.

Restoration companies estimated the vandalism will cost about $1,500 to clean. Members of a local group dedicated to climbing local buildings, often without legal permission, distanced themselves from the vandalism and have offered to help clean the star.

Social media users were largely amused by the stunt, with some suggesting the square by the building be painted to resemble Spongebob so it would match the star.

The building was previously targeted by pranksters in October 2015, when a "Jolly Roger" pirate flag was flown from the spire.