The National Union of Architects of Ukraine has called on the International Union of Architects (UIA) and UNESCO to halt validation of Russian and Belarusian architecture schools, according to an official statement released on 23 January 2026.
The appeal cites direct involvement of architects and universities from these countries in projects on occupied Ukrainian territories.
The statement was addressed to UIA President Regina Gonthier, General Secretary Rui Leao, and UNESCO-UIA Validation Council co-directors Nuno Soares and Deniz Incedayi.
"Architecture during war either serves peace or becomes part of aggression," said Olena Oliinyk, vice president of the National Union of Architects of Ukraine.
The organization documented participation of Russian architects, educational institutions, and students in implementing occupation policies. The Unified Institute of Spatial Planning of Russia developed so-called "master plans" for occupied territories and presented a "reconstruction concept for Mariupol." Ukrainian authorities have included the institute's leadership on the list of war criminals.
Moscow Architectural Institute (MARHI) has systematically participated in projects related to occupied territories, according to the statement. In 2023-2024, student thesis topics included "reconstruction" of Mariupol residential quarters, creation of "memorial parks" in Donetsk and Luhansk, and development of coastal zones in the so-called "new regions." The institute's Department of Military Architecture works on strategic planning themes for annexed territories.
The Ural State University of Architecture and Arts is officially involved in "patronage assistance" programs for occupied Donbas cities, the statement reports. Diploma projects include "post-conflict restoration of DNR cities" and housing concepts for displaced persons on occupied territories. Key faculty and administrators of these programs have been recognized by Ukraine as war criminals.
Both MARHI and the Ural State University remain on the UIA-UNESCO validated schools list as of 2026.
The Union of Architects of Ukraine argues such activities violate the 1907 Hague Convention. The organization views architectural practice in cooperation with occupation authorities as a form of cultural colonization.
The statement demands UIA suspend validation of Russian and Belarusian architecture schools, halt membership of professional organizations from these countries until official condemnation of the war, and create an international register of ethical violations in architecture.
Oliinyk noted Ukraine made similar appeals to UIA in 2022. In 2023, the Baltic Association of Architects withdrew from UIA in protest, while Ukraine decided to remain in the organization to defend its position from within.
