Fahrenheit 451: Russia has destroyed one-third of the books printed in Ukraine this year
Russian strikes have destroyed 33% of the books printed in Ukraine this year. What does this mean for the book market?
In just two months, Russian strikes have destroyed around a third of Ukraine's annual book output: 1.5 million copies in July and 10 million in August. Dozens of publishers and bookshops have been affected, as well as hundreds of schools: 9% of new textbooks have been burned in the attacks.
It's a double whammy for Ukraine's publishing industry, as the devastating Russian attacks have come at a time of financial strain and low demand for books.
Many bookshops in Ukraine were forced to close in 2026 because bookselling is no longer profitable. Now the Russians are destroying the warehouses where books are stored.
Industry experts say that without state support, the sector could collapse altogether. What measures does the book business expect the government to take?