The rich history of southern Ukraine goes back to the times of Herodotus. Archaeologists found many Scythian golden treasures all around the region.

One of the most important discoveries was in 1954 near Melitopol. Back then, it was a risky political struggle to keep the treasures in Ukraine. This went against the rule to have everything taken to the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg.

In peaceful times, multicultural city of Melitopol was one of the best examples of successful reforms and engaging European investments. On the 1st of March, Russian troops occupied Melitopol and claimed to “save the museum
treasures from being taken abroad”. However, before the invasion, Ukrainian authorities hid the most valuable items in other regions of Ukraine. 

Collections of Scythian gold were also displayed in Crimean museums. In 2013, many objects travelled to exhibitions across Europe. After its illegal annexation of Crimea, Russia has tried to seize the treasures, but Ukraine
received the protection of European justice. 

In the course of the war, Russian soldiers looted museums all over Ukraine. Over 2,000 artworks are claimed to have been taken out of Mariupol only.

Join our campaign on social media: share evidence of Russian war crimes related to cultural heritage destruction in Ukraine and stories of protecting Ukrainian culture. #ARTvsWAR #StandWithUkraine