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 looted paintings.

He called the attack a double crime and yet another example 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 follow-up strike. According to preliminary reports, no one was injured.

Consequences of the enemy attack on the art museum in Kherson. PHOTO: O. Shovkunenko Museum in Kherson

Sybiga noted that several 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 collection of the Kherson Art Museum.

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 yet another testament to 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.

The burned-out premises of the Kherson Art Museum following an attack by Russian troops. PHOTO: O. Shovkunenko Kherson Museum

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

Ірина Глухова