Russian forces in Ukraine have killed hundreds of civilians and spurred another nearly 3 million to flee the country, but in the midst of this humanitarian crisis something else is at stake: a splendid history that, though perhaps little-known to foreigners, captures centuries of Ukrainian culture.
In the weeks since the invasion began on Feb. 24, the Russian army has destroyed precious works of art and architecture and continues to threaten a great deal more. The war has prompted increasingly dire alarms from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, which includes seven Ukrainian sites on its World Heritage List and is “gravely concerned” by the damage the nation’s culture has so far suffered.
Human welfare, of course, takes precedence. But culture is key to upholding a sense of historical and national identity, and cultural defenders fear the long-term consequences of its absence if the conflict continues.
