Skovoroda Museum in Kharkiv Oblast damaged again by Russian attack – photo
A Russian drone damaged the protective shelter covering the Hryhorii Skovoroda Museum in the village of Skovorodynivka in Kharkiv Oblast.
Source: Ministry of Culture of Ukraine
Details: The ministry reported that eight sections of the roof of the protective shelter were damaged in the Russian attack.
"In one section, experts recorded a significant hole, while seven others were damaged by debris. However, the structure of the heritage site itself and the shelter's load-bearing structures were not damaged," the ministry said.
Police officers, emergency workers from the State Emergency Service and experts are currently documenting the consequences of the strike and preparing a technical damage report.
Anatolii Rystsov, Head of Bohodukhiv District Military Administration, reported that Russia attacked the museum with a Molniya UAV on 12 May.
The Ministry of Culture informed UNESCO about the damage to the heritage site. The Department of Culture and Tourism of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration is also expected to send an official letter to the organisation regarding possible repair work and rectifying the damage caused by the attack, to be undertaken by a contractor.
The museum in Skovorodynivka is a large memorial complex dating back to the 18th century dedicated to the life and work of the renowned Ukrainian philosopher and poet Hryhorii Skovoroda. Founded in 1972, the museum collection contains several thousand exhibits, including the philosopher's personal belongings, editions of his works, academic and literary works about him, books by ancient, medieval and modern philosophers and poets studied by Skovoroda, ethnographic objects, paintings, graphic works and sculptures dedicated to him. The philosopher's grave is located near the main building.
Background:
- In September 2022, a Russian missile struck the museum's roof, causing a large fire. After the strike, only the statue of the philosopher remained intact, becoming a symbol of resilience. Museum workers later collected ceramic fragments, pieces of metal and burnt books.
- In 2024, the Security Service of Ukraine identified the person who ordered the destruction of the museum as Ivan Panchenko, commander of Russia's 159th Fighter Aviation Regiment of the Western Military District. Law enforcement authorities notified him of suspicion in absentia.
- Last year, 27 exhibits from the Hryhorii Skovoroda Museum were restored.
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