Kyiv cultural sites damaged in latest airstrike

A number of cultural buildings in Kyiv were damaged by Russian shelling on Monday (10 October).

Russia launched more than 80 missiles in what is thought to be the largest attack on the Ukrainian capital since the invasion started in February, killing at least 11 people.

Ukrainian Culture Minister Oleksandr Tkachenko said impacted cultural sites include Khanenko Art Museum, Kyiv Art Gallery, Taras Shevchenko Museum, the National Natural Science Museum of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and the Museum of the History of the City of Kyiv. 

Writing on Facebook, Tkachenko said immediate ground efforts were made “to minimise the negative consequences of the damage” and urgent “negotiations with international partners” were held.

Ukraine’s cultural heritage has been targeted since the start of Russia’s invasion, in an apparent attempt to erase the country’s cultural identity. Over 50 cultural sites have been damaged, more than 40 museums have been looted, and arts buildings have been attacked nationwide.

Tkachenko’s website reports he is now calling for a meeting between culture ministers of G7 countries to “strengthen sanctions against Russia and the strengthening of support for Ukraine”.