Is Putin Trying to Wipe Out Ukrainian Identity and Culture? | DW News

Mar 8, 2022 • Since the start of Russia’s invasion, Ukraine's museums, galleries and cultural institutions have been scrambling to protect their collections. Many have shipped pieces abroad, but this is becoming increasingly difficult. Heavy shelling has already caused considerable damage - so museum workers are staying behind to save what's left. Ukrainians fear for the survival of their cultural history and identity.

The nation's heritage is being packed up in boxes. The Andrey Sheptytsky National Museum in Lviv is Ukraine's largest art museum - its doors have been closed since the Russian invasion began. The museum already survived World War II, but whether it will survive this one unscathed is unclear. Its extensive collections are being packed away into the cellar.

Many of the city's sculptures have been carefully cloaked in foam wrap. Maybe a futile attempt to protect them, but better than doing nothing at all.

Empty walls fill the museum in Lviv. As this new chapter of Ukraine's history begins, hope and grief are constant companions.