VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY INITIATIVES TO PRESERVE UKRAINE’S CULTURAL HERITAGE DURING THE RUSSIAN-UKRAINIAN WAR
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Abstract
The article examines the problem of preserving Ukraine’s cultural heritage in the context of the full-scale war unleashed by Russia in 2022. The authors emphasise that the destruction of monuments is not only a material loss but also an element of cultural genocide aimed at destroying the historical memory and national identity of the Ukrainian people. Particular attention is paid to the role of civil society organisations and volunteer initiatives, which are key actors in the rescue of cultural values, the organisation of digital conservation, evacuation and documentation of monuments. Examples of the activities of local headquarters, the Centre for the Rescue of Cultural Heritage, the international SUCHO initiative and UNESCO programmes are considered, demonstrating the effectiveness of civic solidarity and coordination with state and international structures. The article shows that it is the active participation of civil society organisations that allows for a rapid response to threats, combining modern technologies (3D scanning, digital archives) with historical practices, as well as strengthening the moral and humanistic dimension of heritage preservation. The study is based on analytical, historical-descriptive and comparative methods, combining theoretical analysis of scientific sources with practical study of specific volunteer and public initiatives. The work proves that the protection of cultural heritage in wartime is not only a humanitarian task, but also an act of spiritual resilience, national self-affirmation of Ukraine and a testament to the strength of civil society.
How to Cite
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Ukrainian cultural heritage, Russian‑Ukrainian war, cultural genocide, volunteer initiatives, community organizations, cultural resistance, digital preservation, 3D scanning, archiving, documentation of destruction, historical memory, national identity, humanitarian protection, international cooperation
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