DESTRUCTION OF THE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF PRIAZOVIA AND DONBAS BY THE OCCUPIERS
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to explore war crimes of the Russian occupiers, directed against the cultural heritage of the Azov region and Donbass. All war crimes of Russia directed against the cultural heritage of Ukraine must be recorded and thoroughly investigated.
Research methodology. The analysis of theoretical methods and techniques of information collection was carried out to study the material. In particular, the method of complex analysis of the source base on this issue, the method of theoretical analysis of previous research, the method of methodological understanding and generalization of information regarding Russian war crimes against the cultural heritage of Azov and Donbass.
Results. It has been established that restitution is the main means of compensation for damage caused to cultural heritage and cultural values as a result of violation of international norms during the armed conflict. The task of restitution is not just to return individual cultural values and compensate for the damage, but also to restore the heritage as an integral cultural asset of the nation and the state. The second form of restitution is related to the replacement of cultural values with similar objects lost as a result of hostilities. The aggressor state is responsible for this. That is why the Russian Federation should hand over masterpieces similar to the lost ones from its collections to Ukraine and reimburse the cost of the destroyed museum premises or build a new one.
It is emphasized that restoration of cultural heritage and return of cultural values will become an important task of the state and society after the victory of Ukraine. Ukrainian cultural heritage is part of the world cultural heritage, therefore all the states of the world have an obligation to preserve and return it.
Novelty. The facts and patterns revealed as a result of the research can become the basis for further study of the war crimes of the Russian army against the cultural heritage of Ukraine.
