A total of 1,795 cultural institutions have suffered damage at the hands of Russian forces in parts of Ukraine that had been liberated by Ukrainian forces. The country’s acting Culture Minister, Rostyslav Karandieiev, made this announcement on March 29 during a forum on the reintegration of these territories. He highlighted the devastation, including the recent destruction of the Academy of Decorative and Applied Arts and Design in Kyiv by a Russian missile. Ukrainian cultural centers have been frequent targets for Russian drone and missile attacks, as Russia aims to erase the Ukrainian identity. The destruction of cultural sites is part of Russia’s attempt to justify its invasion by claiming that Ukraine is historically illegitimate.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) reported in July 2023 that at least 274 cultural sites had been damaged during the full-scale invasion, but this number is likely to have increased since then. In response, UNESCO adopted an emergency assistance program for preservation during its 219th session at the headquarters in Paris. Since the beginning of Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Ukrainian forces have managed to liberate over 70,000 square kilometers briefly occupied by Russia in the early months of the war. The Center for Preventive Action’s Global Conflict Tracker estimates that Ukraine has recaptured 54 percent of previously occupied territory, with Russia still holding approximately 18 percent of the country.
The article also discusses how Ukrainian identity has evolved since the Revolution of Dignity in 2013. The Revolution took place at Kyiv’s Independence Square, where Ukrainians gathered to protest against violent police crackdowns on protestors. It was during this time that author Lyuba Yakimchuk’s three-year-old son learned the patriotic national slogan. The Revolution of Dignity was a pivotal moment in Ukrainian history and led to a significant shift in the country’s identity. Ukrainians came together to fight for their rights and express their patriotism, laying the foundation for the development of a stronger Ukrainian identity in the face of external threats.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has not only resulted in physical destruction of cultural sites but has also led to a resurgence of Ukrainian nationalism and identity. Russia’s attacks on cultural institutions and attempts to undermine Ukrainian history and identity have only served to strengthen the resolve of the Ukrainian people. Despite the challenges they face, Ukrainians have shown resilience and unity in the face of adversity. The international community, including organizations like UNESCO, has provided support for the preservation of Ukraine’s cultural heritage and the protection of its identity.
As Ukraine continues to fight for its sovereignty and independence, the preservation of cultural institutions and identity remains a crucial priority. The destruction of cultural sites by Russian forces is not only a loss for Ukraine but for the whole world, as it erases important parts of human history and cultural heritage. By supporting independent journalism in Ukraine and joining the efforts to protect the country’s cultural heritage, individuals can contribute to the preservation of Ukrainian identity and history. The fight against Russian aggression in Ukraine is not just a military battle but also a battle to protect the identity and heritage of a nation that has demonstrated courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
