Mykola Tochytskyi, the Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine, met with Glenn Micallef, the EU Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture, and Sport, in Brussels on December 10.
Source: European Union, 2024
Mykola Tochytskyi expressed his gratitude to the European Union for its support in preserving Ukraine’s cultural heritage and emphasized the significant losses in the cultural sector caused by russia’s aggression.
Ukraine’s Minister reported that since the onset of russia’s full-scale invasion, at least 137 artists and cultural workers have been killed, 1,222 cultural heritage sites have been damaged or destroyed, and 2,123 cultural institutions have been affected, with 374 completely demolished.
“Ukraine is documenting all instances of destruction and crimes against cultural heritage. These records will serve as evidence in international legal proceedings against the aggressor,” stated the Minister.
Mykola Tochytskyi outlined three key principles of Ukraine’s Cultural Strategy: the protection, preservation, and promotion of Ukrainian culture and identity on a global scale.
He also emphasized the crucial role of culture in the upcoming Recovery Conference in Rome, scheduled for July 2025, and called for enhanced international coordination to support Ukraine’s cultural sector.
This meeting highlighted the essential role of EU support in protecting Ukraine’s cultural heritage and revitalizing its cultural and creative industries. Both parties agreed to continue their collaboration to safeguard Ukrainian culture as an integral part of Europe’s shared heritage.
Mykola Tochytskyi extended an invitation to Glenn Micallef to visit Ukraine.
