Is Putin trying to wipe out Ukrainian identity and culture? | DW News

Since the start of Russia’s invasion, Ukraine's museums, galleries and cultural institutions have been scrambling to protect their collections. Many have shipped pieces abroad, but this is becoming increasingly difficult. Heavy shelling has already caused considerable damage - so museum workers are staying behind to save what's left. Ukrainians fear for the survival of their cultural history and identity.
The nation's heritage is being packed up in boxes. The Andrey Sheptytsky National Museum in Lviv is Ukraine's largest art museum - its doors have been closed since the Russian invasion began. The museum already survived World War II, but whether it will survive this one unscathed is unclear. Its extensive collections are being packed away into the cellar.
Many of the city's sculptures have been carefully cloaked in foam wrap. Maybe a futile attempt to protect them, but better than doing nothing at all.
Empty walls fill the museum in Lviv. As this new chapter of Ukraine's history begins, hope and grief are constant companions.

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[shirleylangton]

People that appreciate art and beauty cry with you, not only for the historical art but for the buildings themselves which can never be replaced. 😭😭😭

[Coeurebene]

It's actually amazing the Ukrainian identity is still so alive, after centuries of Russian imperialism and the Soviet Union attempts to erase it.

[landersen]

Coincidentally more than 1000 viking pieces from 4 different ukrainian museums were planned for a speciel exhibit in Denmark this year. They are now on display and the danish museum had the best visitor month ever in the month of march this year because of this exhibit.
We sincerely hope that ALL of Ukraine has been liberated by the end of the exhibit in september but if not we´re more than happy to safe guard it until Ukraine wins the war. Slava Ukraine!

[somerandomdude]

Really heart breaking. Dear Jesus Christ please save Ukraine form evil.

[Lostinablue]

I really hope that when I visit Ukraine after the war is over, I can still marvel at the rich culture and history that the country has to offer❤️🇺🇦

[rogerkleemann]

From a distant shore.
Do civilized people care? Yes. Does Putin care? No.

[k.]

Odessa Opera house should also be mentioned

[alicebellamio]

God bless Ukraine people and their art and culture.

[English_Dawn]

Hope the Church items are safe, paintings, statues, relics. 🙂

[akinigiri]

We need to protect Lviv at the very least. Set a humanitarian no-fly zone over Lviv and the western regions close to the borders of NATO and Moldova. Worst case scenario, we need to secure an area for a government, people, and art in exile.

[lsubrown]

To those who support authoritarianism this will always happen.

[ThompPL]

Uhhh, Yep . . . pretty obvious in multiple large cities don't you think ? Definitely a War Criminal who needs to be brought to Judgement.

[Ozworldz]

What about archives of historical records and documents?

[rosarioallanic]

Mabuhay Ukraine...praying for your victory

[campogrande]

Hope the world would be more fair and protective. We are going to say the same … that we wouldn’t believe it would happened. Then it will be to late.

[jesuschristministry]

LORD JESUS CAN GIVE US PEACE, TRUE HAPPINESS AND THE JUSTICE. PRAY AND REPENT NOW, THE LORD IS COMING. MAY GOD BLESS US ALL ❤.

[yurigansmith]

This headline is only one step away from claiming "cultural genocide". Why the hesitancy?

[MowlousSmileyRambo]

Take picture, document them properly. Even though physical world they might be gone, but with data you could at least preserve them in the virtual world, especially the all mighty internet.

[multidimensional_holographer]

just hang in there Ukrainians, Putin's idea of art is a bomb crater

[fafpresents]

What is about Palestine & Rwanda? Everyday innocent people and heritage site is being destroyed