- Russian strikes have destroyed around 12 million textbooks ahead of the new school year, according to reports.
- 8 million books were destroyed earlier this month in a Russian strike, as reported by the publishing house Ranok.
- Russia has targeted a famous second-hand book market in Kyiv, along with publishing warehouses and printing presses nationwide.
- Classes were set to resume at Ukrainian schools on Tuesday, but it remains uncertain whether parents will send their children.
- The recent attacks have resulted in the destruction of one third of all books printed in Ukraine this year.
- More than 35 publishing facilities have been hit in recent weeks, severely impacting Ukraine's publishing sector.
- Kyiv's Pochaina second-hand book market was also struck, resulting in the loss of hundreds of stalls and countless books.
- Viktoria Haidai, a commercial director, stated that the attacks are a deliberate attempt by Russia to erase Ukrainian culture.
Russian strikes have devastated Ukraine's educational resources, destroying 12 million books as the new school year approaches. The attacks targeted printing presses and cultural sites, including Kyiv's Pochaina second-hand book market and the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a UNESCO heritage site.17
The recent assault on a printing press near Kyiv coincided with the ramp-up of production for 1.3 million schoolbooks, representing 10% of Ukraine's educational materials. Viktoria Haidai, a commercial director at a publishing firm, stated, “I believe it is deliberate on the part of the Russian Federation.” The ongoing conflict has resulted in the destruction of one-third of all books printed in Ukraine this year, with over 35 publishing facilities affected in recent weeks.8
The attacks are seen as part of a broader strategy to undermine Ukrainian culture. “The enemy is trying to burn out our education and culture,” said a publisher from Ranok. More than 1,900 pieces of Ukrainian heritage and over 2,000 cultural institutions have been targeted, according to reports.2
In addition to educational resources, cultural landmarks have suffered significant damage. The Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a site of immense historical importance, was struck, leading to extensive repairs estimated at $11.2 million and a two-year restoration timeline. UNESCO has condemned these attacks, emphasizing the need to protect cultural property under international law.
“The overnight strike on a Kyiv printing press hit as production was ramping up to deliver 1.3 million books, 10% of Ukraine's schoolbooks. More than 35 publishing facilities have been hit in recent weeks, and Russia has destroyed one third of all books printed in Ukraine this year.”
Euronews.com
