Russia's destruction of Ukrainian cultural values ​​and denial of the right to exist is a total war - Polish Ambassador to the UN

This is reported by Polskie Radio.

"In its military propaganda, Moscow stands out by inciting hatred, slander and contempt for everything Ukrainian. We saw that it does not end with people, but extends to monuments, theaters, schools, youth centers, as well as cemeteries. They are being destroyed before our eyes. These are not military goals, unless the goal is to destroy the nation", Szczerski claimed.

Poland's Ambassador to the UN, Krzysztof Szczerski, during the meeting of the United Nations Security Council dedicated to the military destruction of cultural heritage in Ukraine, stated that the destruction of cultural values ​​of Ukraine is a deliberate and cruel act of Moscow.

"If the aggressor denies the attacked people the right to exist, then how can it be called, if not a total war? And the fate of hundreds of seriously damaged or destroyed cultural objects proves that Russian aggression really is a total war.

Holding Russia accountable for all crimes committed in Ukraine, including against its cultural heritage, requires Ukrainians to receive appropriate military reparations that will ease the burden of rebuilding their homeland. We call on the entire international community to work towards this goal," the Polish Ambassador to the UN said.

Speaking via video link at this meeting, Deputy Culture Minister of Ukraine Kateryna Chuyeva said that, according to Putin, Ukrainian culture and national identity are the goal of the war.

Currently, the Russian occupiers have shelled and damaged 423 cultural objects in Ukraine - these are 128 monuments, 127 places of worship, 46 memorials, 33 museums, as well as 59 theaters, cinemas and libraries. 

"In Poland, we are very sensitive to the issue of the destruction of cultural heritage, mainly because of the turbulent history of our country. We share our knowledge with full dedication and provide all the necessary support for reconstruction, and I am very proud of the opening of the Polish Center for Cultural Assistance in Ukraine", Szczerski added.