Camilla Jessen
Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture warns that Russia’s war is not only a military assault but a systematic attack on Ukrainian culture and free press.
On June 16, Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture and Information Policy (MCIP) reported that 207 artists and 106 media workers have been killed since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
The data was provided by the Institute of Mass Information and PEN Ukraine.
A Cultural and Human Tragedy
The Ministry described the losses as not only a human tragedy but also a severe blow to Ukraine’s cultural identity.
“Just as the Stalinist regime targeted a generation of Ukrainian creatives in the 1920s and ’30s, Russia is now systematically erasing Ukraine’s cultural elite,” the Ministry stated.
It compared the current situation to the “Executed Renaissance,” a period when many Ukrainian writers, painters, and musicians were repressed or killed.
“These individuals were the pride of our nation. Today, we are again losing more than just talent—we are losing pieces of our soul,” the Ministry added.
Journalists Face Life-Threatening Conditions
Ukrainian journalists continue to report from the front lines under dangerous conditions. They document the war and provide information to both domestic and international audiences.
“Media professionals work around the clock to gather indisputable evidence of the occupiers’ crimes and highlight the strength, bravery, and resilience of our defenders,” officials said.
The Ministry warned that Russian attacks on journalists and media workers are a serious threat to freedom of expression and global information security.
The Ministry urged the world to remember those who have died and stressed the need to protect democratic values and human rights.
Previously, Ukrainian journalist Viktoria Roshchyna was reported to have died in Russian captivity. Her body was returned to Ukraine missing several internal organs, possibly to hide the cause of death.