Problems of preservation, protection and restoration of cultural heritage objects and museum collections in the conditions of war

Abstract

The article is devoted to the problem of the preservation and restoration of objects of cultural heritage – monuments and museum collections – in the conditions of war. The article’s analysis is supplemented by a brief overview of how mankind has approached the protection of its material cultural heritage in historical times. According to data verified by UNESCO, as of November 21, 2022, 218 sites have been damaged in Ukraine since the start of the war on February 24, including 95 religious sites, 17 museums, 78 buildings of historical and/or artistic significance, 18 monuments and 10 libraries. The experience of the ongoing Russian–Ukrainian war has once again proven the insecurity of cultural heritage sites and museums in the face of conflict. The authors analysed the Ukrainian experience of protecting monuments, the effectiveness of these efforts, and various ways of preserving the cultural heritage of peoples during wars. The discussion closes with conclusions on possible remedies for the destruction of material cultural objects in Ukraine.