Loss and damage of Ukraine’s cultural heritage: actions of the Russian Federation today compared to Germany during World War II

ABSTRACT

Cultural heritage is an integral part of a people’s identity, both for future generations and for preservation of historical memory and cultural development. In the face of the aggression of the Russian Federation, preservation of Ukraine’s cultural heritage requires the joint efforts of national and international organisations, scientists and cultural experts. The paper compares the loss and damage brought about by Russia’s war on Ukraine since 2014 to the loss and damage inflicted by Germany during World War II. Both aggressors have inflicted serious damage with large-scale theft and looting of cultural values on the territory of Ukraine, destroying architectural monuments, museums and libraries, with the aim of erasing national awareness.

KEYWORDS:

• National identity
• national values
• historical monuments

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).