Moldova Expresses Solidarity with Ukraine in Preserving Cultural Heritage

Moldova's Culture Minister Sergiu Prodan and Ukraine's Deputy Culture Minister Mykola Tochytckyi recently discussed the critical state of Ukraine's cultural heritage, severely impacted by Russia's ongoing war. During a phone conversation, Tochytckyi highlighted the widespread destruction caused by Russian aggression, underscoring the need for international collaboration to protect Ukraine's cultural identity and values, CE Report quotes MOLDPRES

Prodan reaffirmed Moldova's solidarity with Ukraine, emphasizing his country's commitment to supporting cultural preservation efforts. He noted Moldova’s openness to Ukrainian artists, many of whom have found opportunities in Moldovan cultural institutions amid the conflict.

Tochytckyi invited Prodan to attend the Meeting of Culture Ministers from Partner States, scheduled for January 31 to February 2, 2025, in Uzhhorod, Ukraine. This forum aims to consolidate regional and international efforts to safeguard cultural heritage and exchange expertise in this critical field.

A similar meeting held in Lviv in 2022 inspired the declaration of 2023 as the Year of Ukrainian Culture in Moldova, marked by numerous events supporting Ukrainians affected by the war.

Since the onset of Russia’s large-scale invasion, over 1,000 cultural heritage sites in Ukraine have been destroyed, including 457 UNESCO-protected landmarks, according to The Kyiv Independent. Beyond bombings, Russia's so-called "restorations" have further eroded the authenticity of many historical sites.