Losses of cultural heritage in Kyiv region as a result of the Russian invasion: mechanisms of cultural self–defense

Abstract

The article examines the scale of losses of immovable cultural heritage in Kyiv region as a result of the Russian invasion and identifies mechanisms of cultural self–defense. The main types and kinds of losses of cultural monuments are outlined, practices of their protection are analyzed; cooperation of state authorities, public activists, the scientific community and international organizations in searching for mechanisms of cultural heritage preservation is studied; prospects for post–war restoration of cultural objects are determined. The UNESCO World Heritage List and cultural heritage objects in Ukraine, particularly in Kyiv, inscribed on it according to the UNESCO Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage are analyzed. The UNESCO Tentative List of World Heritage objects is also examined, three of which are located in Kyiv. The national list of cultural heritage monuments of national and local significance in Kyiv region and Kyiv, inscribed in the State Register of Immovable Monuments of Ukraine, is also analyzed, and cultural objects in Kyiv region that were damaged or destroyed to a greater or lesser extent as a result of military actions are identified. Preliminary results of research within the joint interdisciplinary applied research work of the Research Institute of Ukrainian Studies and the Department of Regional Studies and Tourism of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv “Material and Spiritual Losses of the Population of Ukrainian Polissia as a Result of the Russian–Ukrainian War and Their Overcoming” (2025–2027) are summarized. In particular, preliminary results of work in Kyiv region by the comprehensive Ukrainian studies expedition “Polissia–2025” and practical research by students of the Geography Faculty of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv are taken into account. As a result of expedition research, destruction of immovable cultural heritage in Kyiv region was identified, analytical (before/after) and photographic materials (destroyed/ruined/damaged) of monument destruction were obtained. Joint efforts of state authorities, local self–government, scientists and public activists and international organizations regarding documentation of losses of immovable cultural heritage that occurred as a result of military actions and regarding the use of cultural self–defense mechanisms for future restoration of cultural monuments and tourist attractiveness of Kyiv Polissia are shown.