The Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to Russia's attack on the Kherson Art Museum

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga commented on the Russian strike on the art museum in Kherson, from which the occupiers had previously stolen paintings.

He called the attack a double crime and further evidence of Russia’s systematic policy of destroying Ukraine’s cultural heritage.

An enemy drone struck the museum building on the morning of August 20. As a result of the attack, the right wing of the building and nearby outbuildings caught fire. Rescue workers extinguished the fire while working under the threat of a second strike. According to preliminary reports, no one was injured.

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The aftermath of the enemy attack on the art museum in Kherson. Photo: State Emergency Service

Sybiga said that a few months ago, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs opened an exhibition titled “The Return of Kherson’s Memory.” It features art prints of works from the Kherson Art Museum’s collection.

According to the minister, during the occupation of Kherson, Russian troops removed more than 10,000 works of art, calling it an “evacuation.” Sibiga emphasized that in reality, it was a looting operation.

“Whatever can be appropriated, Russia steals and claims as its own. In the case of the Kherson Art Museum, this is a double crime and further evidence of just how systematic Russia’s policy of destruction is,” the foreign minister stated.

He added that Russia will not be able to turn Ukrainian culture into Russian culture, even by stealing works of art and destroying cultural institutions. According to Sibiga, Ukraine intends to recover the stolen works, restore damaged sites, and document the crimes to hold Russia accountable.

<picture></picture>The burned-out building of the Kherson Art Museum following an attack by Russian troops. Photo: State Emergency Service

As Intent reported, in July, on July 11, the Odesa Museum of Western and Eastern Art opened the exhibition “Kherson: NOT/Stolen” —a project dedicated to the collection that the occupiers removed from the Kherson Regional Art Museum.

Ірина Глухова