Mr. Chairperson,   

I would like to thank the OSCE Secretary General for presenting her report on the protection of the cultural heritage.

We appreciate support provided by the Organization aimed to assist Ukraine in protecting of its cultural heritage.

However, it is critically important to address root causes of the current situation. 

The full-scale war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine directly threatens the cultural heritage of Ukraine throughout its territory.

Not only in terms of looting, which actually has been leveled up to the state policy in the russian federation.

According to the latest estimates, 1373 cultural objects, including creative hubs, libraries, museums and galleries, theatres and philharmonic halls, institutions of art education have been partially or completely destroyed.

The russian federation has been flagrantly violating the main Conventions in the field of protection of cultural heritage and misuse of cultural property, in particular.

The level of destruction of Ukrainian monuments and cultural sites clearly depicts that the erasure of national memory is an indispensable part of russia’s genocidal war.

We are grateful to all for help in defending Ukraine’s heritage. That is what we are fighting for. For our past, present and the future.

 I thank you, Mr Chairperson.