Ukraine: Over 100 cultural figures killed by Russian forces since full-scale invasion

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‘At least 102 cultural figures – including writers and artists – have been killed by Russian forces in Ukraine since 24 February 2022. As we mourn their unbearable killings and urge accountability, we once again call on the international community to do everything in its power to support Ukraine’s cultural sector.’ Romana Cacchioli, Executive Director of PEN International.

02 May 2024 – PEN International vehemently condemns the mounting death toll in Ukraine and crimes against cultural heritage resulting from indiscriminate attacks by Russian forces. According to PEN Ukraine, at least 102 cultural figures have been killed by Russian forces since 24 February 2022, though the actual figures are likely higher. PEN International renews its calls for justice and accountability for the people of Ukraine. All perpetrators of war crimes and human rights violations must be held to account. Harm to Ukraine’s invaluable cultural heritage must be addressed.

The killing of at least 102 cultural figures by Russian forces in Ukraine marks yet another grim milestone in the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Amongst those killed are writers, translators, artists, musicians, photographers, historians who played a key role in enriching and celebrating Ukraine’s culture and identity. According to the UN, at least 10,810 civilians had been killed and 20,556 injured at the time of writing, though figures are likely higher. In February 2024, the Ukrainian authorities confirmed that 31,000 Ukrainian military personnel, including former civilians who took up arms to defend Ukraine, had been killed by Russian forces. Meanwhile, attacks by Russian forces on Ukraine’s cultural heritage continue unabated. As of 10 April 2024, UNESCO had verified damage to 351 cultural sites, including museums, libraries, archives and places of worship. A new report by Human Rights Watch, published in April 2024, lays bare the devastating consequences of crimes against cultural heritage in Ukraine, as well as the psychological, psychosocial, economic, and related consequences of the loss of cultural heritage to civilian populations.

As documented in War, Censorship and Persecution, PEN International’s Case List 2023/2024, conflicts have a devastating impact on the writing and wider artistic community, from killings civilians and those who participate in the conflict, to internal and cross border displacement, which removes writers from their communities and access to tools of their trade. The ability of future generations to participate in artistic activities, as well as critically and collectively reflect, is also severely impacted, through death, disruption to education, malnutrition, starvation, and disease, as well as the deliberate targeting of or loss of cultural heritage through displacement.

In the face of this enormous threat, PEN Ukraine and partners are playing a leading role in preserving the memory and legacy of cultural figures killed by Russian forces in Ukraine, and supporting Ukraine’s cultural life and literary community, including through fellowship programmes, emergency assistance, cultural events and publications. A partnership with Book Aid International – together with PEN Ukraine, PEN International, and English PEN – in support of PEN Ukraine’s Unbreakable Libraries project, notably saw 25,000 brand-new books dispatched from London to Kyiv in November 2023. The books will support libraries throughout Ukraine, including in frontline and liberated territories. Book Aid International is set to donate a further 15,000 books this year.

As the Russian Federation’s war against Ukraine rages on, PEN International urges the international community to pay close attention to attacks on and harm to cultural heritage in Ukraine, and to support Ukraine’s cultural sector as well as preservation and protection endeavors. Culture must be placed at the heart of reconstruction and recovery efforts.

For more information about PEN Ukraine’s work, please click here.

For more information about PEN International’s work on Ukraine, please click here.

For further details contact Aurélia Dondo, Head of Europe and Central Asia Region at PEN International: Aurelia.dondo@pen-international.org