Crimes of the russian occupiers against the cultural heritage of Mariupol

Abstract

The article outlines the crimes of the Russian occupiers against the cultural heritage of Mariupol. The norms of international humanitarian law, which protect cultural values during military operations, are analyzed. The autor explains that the parties to the conflict are obliged to respect and protect them, prohibit, warn and stop any acts of theft, robbery or misappropriation of cultural values in any form, as well as any acts of vandalism. The characteristics of the most damaged or completely destroyed architectural monuments of Mariupol are given. The paper emphasizes that the only cultural institution preserved in the city is the famous Mariupol Chamber Philharmonic, which has become a refuge for Mariupol residents thanks to the dedication and daily work of its director, Honored Artist of Ukraine, chief conductor of the Mariupol Municipal Chamber Orchestra «RENASSIN» Vasyl Kryachko. The autor indicates that restitution is the main means of compensation for damage caused to cultural heritage and cultural values as a result of violation of international norms during the armed conflict. The task of restitution is not just to return individual cultural values and compensate for the damage, but also restore the cultural objects as an integral cultural heritage of the nation and the state. The second form of restitution is related to the replacement of cultural values with similar objects lost as a result of hostilities. Thus, on March 21, 2022, the building of the Arkhip Kuindzhi Art Museum in Mariupol was destroyed by a direct hit from an air bomb of the Russian occupiers. The aggressor state is responsible for this. That is why the Russian Federation should hand over masterpieces similar to the lost ones from its collections to Ukraine and reimburse the cost of the destroyed museum premises or build a new one. The study makes it possible to conclude that restoration of cultural heritage and return of cultural values will become an important task of the state and society after the victory of Ukraine. Ukrainian cultural heritage is part of the world cultural heritage, therefore, all the states of the world have an obligation to preserve and return it. The facts and patterns revealed as a result of the research can become the basis for further study of the war crimes of the Russian army against the cultural heritage of Ukraine.