Destruction of Ukrainian Publishing Industry
Bà Viktoria Haidai observes the devastation of a printing house near Kyiv that was struck by a Russian missile, which was supposed to be busy printing textbooks for the upcoming school year. This facility was set to produce 1.3 million books, accounting for 10% of Ukraine’s textbooks.
Impact of Russian Attacks
Recent Russian bombings have targeted printing houses and publishers across Ukraine, destroying 12 million books and damaging cultural and historical symbols. Local media reports indicate that one-third of all printed books in Ukraine have been destroyed this year.
Intentional Targeting of Cultural Heritage
Haidai believes these attacks are deliberate actions by Russia to erase Ukraine as a nation. In the past two months, several major publishers have lost warehouses containing large quantities of books. She asserts that Russia’s goal is to eliminate Ukraine’s cultural identity.
Widespread Damage to Cultural Sites
Over 35 publishing facilities have been attacked recently, and the Pochaina used book market in Kyiv has also been targeted, resulting in the destruction of hundreds of stalls and numerous valuable books. Various cultural institutions, including museums, art galleries, libraries, and theaters, have suffered damage.
Specific Cultural Losses
Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a significant medieval monastery and cultural heritage site, experienced damage from drone attacks, with repairs expected to cost $11.2 million and take two years. UNESCO has listed this site as a World Heritage site under threat.
UNESCO’s Response
UNESCO Director Khaled El-Enany expressed deep sorrow over the significant damage during a recent visit, condemning attacks on cultural properties protected by international law.
Connection Between Military and Cultural Attacks
Ukrainian Minister of Culture Tetyana Berezhna emphasized the intertwined nature of military and cultural impacts of the war, stating that Russia aims to obliterate Ukraine’s national identity and cultural symbols.
Extent of Cultural Destruction
Berezhna reported that Russia has attacked over 1,900 Ukrainian heritage sites and more than 2,000 cultural institutions. Digital preservation is part of the strategy to protect art and literature, ensuring children can continue learning despite the attacks on books.
Threat to the Publishing Industry
Warnings have emerged that the entire Ukrainian publishing industry is under threat and requires international support to survive. Haidai stressed the importance of protecting the industry to preserve Ukrainian literature, stating that “words are everything” for cultural development and historical heritage.
Russian Justifications
The Russian Embassy in the UK blamed the Ukrainian government for damages to cultural heritage, alleging that monuments have been dismantled and streets renamed. They also claimed cultural sites have been used to conceal military facilities.
Denial of Targeting Civilians
The Kremlin has repeatedly denied intentionally targeting civilian sites throughout the ongoing conflict, despite extensive missile and drone strikes on residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure.
