The United States stands with Ukraine in its valiant efforts to protect its cultural heritage in the face of Russia’s horrific attacks causing loss of life and damage to property. The destruction of Ukraine’s cultural heritage is an attack on the identity of the people of Ukraine. Moreover, any intentional attacks on cultural property may violate the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict.
Russia’s recent unconscionable bombing of Ukrainian cities has already damaged the area around Babyn Yar, the site where more than 100,000 Ukrainian Jews and non-Jews were executed during the Second World War by Nazi German forces. In addition, the Ivankiv Historical and Local History Museum has been destroyed, along with many works by noted Ukrainian artist Maria Prymachenko, and other invaluable historical buildings and artworks are at risk.
"The United States is committed to helping the people of Ukraine protect and preserve their historically important sites. Ukraine’s cultural heritage is irreplaceable, and its damage or destruction would be a profound loss to the entire world. We are closely monitoring the situation and will call out Russia’s acts of destruction," said Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Lee Satterfield.
Ukraine is home to centuries-old, culturally unique historical and architectural landmarks. Since 2001, the Department of State has partnered with Ukrainian heritage organizations on cultural preservation projects totaling more than $1.7 million across the country, including the preservation of Ukrainian ethnographic objects, manuscripts, and historic and academic buildings.
For More Information: United with Ukraine - United States Department of State
