In light of the ongoing military confrontations in Ukraine, the Culture Ministry has implemented a new resolution that mandates the evacuation of cultural exhibits from museums located within 50 kilometers of the front lines. This decision, drafted by the Ministry of Culture and communicated by Deputy Prime Minister Tetiana Berezhna, focuses on safeguarding cultural valuables during martial law, especially from areas recognized as hostile or temporarily occupied by Russian forces.

The evacuation process is to be overseen by regional military administrations, which must coordinate their efforts with military command to ensure the safety of the items. This new evacuation strategy aims to preserve cultural heritage during a time of significant risk, reflecting an understanding of the destructive potential of war on cultural sites. Furthermore, the minister indicated that any evacuated items need to be relocated to regions at least 75 kilometers away from the front lines to minimize the risk of damage.

This initiative not only highlights the importance of protecting Ukraine’s cultural heritage during tumultuous times but also sets a precedent for future policies on preservation in conflict zones. The steps being taken may influence how nations address similar situations, prioritizing cultural preservation even amid military challenges.