The Destruction of Cultural Heritage Sites in Ukraine: The Case of Chersonesos and Nestor Makhno’s Monument

Evelina Kravchenko, a senior researcher at the Institute of Archeology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, spoke out about the destruction of UNESCO-listed city Chersonesos in southwestern Crimea by Russian occupation authorities. The city was an ancient Greek colony founded more than 2,500 years ago on the territory of Crimea. Despite Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, UNESCO still recognizes it as part of Ukraine.

In 2013, UNESCO listed “Ancient City of Taurik Chersonesos and its Hora” as a World Heritage Site. However, since then, Russian developers have fenced off the archaeological remains and added viewing platforms to the site. A new outdoor theater was constructed on top of an ancient citadel, which has raised concerns among historians and archaeologists about the authenticity of the landmarks. Most of the archaeological artifacts were taken to Russia during this construction process.

The destruction in Chersonesos is just one example of how cultural heritage sites are being destroyed during Russia’s conflict with Ukraine. According to UNESCO, over 412 Ukrainian cultural heritage sites have been destroyed since February 24th, 2022. Additionally, on May 23rd, Russian forces also destroyed a monument to revolutionary Nestor Makhno from the beginning of the 20th century in Hulyajpol, a town in Zaporizhia region. This act further highlights Russia’s disrespect for cultural heritage and history.

It is important that we support independent journalism in Ukraine as they fight against such actions by Russian authorities that destroy our shared human heritage and culture. Your contribution can make a difference and help protect these sites for future generations.

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Chersonesos was an ancient Greek colony that was founded more than 2500 years ago on the territory of Crimea.

UNESCO recognized “Ancient City