Systematic destruction of culture, memory, and identity is another manifestation of Moscow’s policy of intolerance and genocide against Ukrainians, stated Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine.
From Chernihiv to Sevastopol, from Mariupol to Lviv, Moscow is destroying Ukrainian churches, museums, libraries, and theatres.
As of early April 2026, according to official data alone, Russian forces have damaged or completely destroyed 1,723 cultural heritage sites and 2,524 cultural infrastructure facilities, and have stolen tens of thousands of museum artifacts.
Among them is the Transfiguration Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A Russian missile struck directly at the cathedral’s central altar. The church building was partially destroyed, including the ceilings of three lower levels. The interior decorations and icons were severely damaged, and the service rooms were completely destroyed.
In addition, in Kharkiv Oblast, more than 100 architectural monuments have been destroyed or damaged since the beginning of the full-scale war, as per Rubryka.
Destruction of heritage as attempt to erase national identity
The destruction of Ukrainian cultural sites is an attempt to strip Ukraine of its foundations, erase the connection between generations, and undermine its very right to its own history.
“Systematic destruction of our culture, our memory, and our identity is another manifestation of Moscow’s policy of intolerance and genocide against Ukrainians,” Budanov said.
“Every stolen item must be returned”
Every crime must be documented. Every destroyed monument must be recorded, and every stolen artifact must be returned, he added.
“We will rebuild the walls. But most importantly, we will preserve our culture and our memory. They have proven to be stronger than Moscow’s missiles,” he said.
