Daily attacks and destruction place Ukraine’s cultural heritage at constant risk of being lost forever.
In this issue, we highlight how our partners are stepping up to preserve and digitize this invaluable heritage. Additionally, you will also find insights from our latest survey on Ukrainians’ perceptions of corruption and celebrate the recognition of our partner CSO leaders in the prestigious UP100 list.
Stay with us for these important updates and more!
Over 1,100 cultural heritage sites have been damaged or destroyed since the start of the full-scale invasion, according to updated data from the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy. The report highlights that cultural landmarks in 18 regions and Kyiv have suffered damage. The three most affected regions are Kharkiv (314 sites), Kherson (152), and Donetsk (155). Among the damaged landmarks, 120 are of national significance, 944 of regional significance, and 83 are newly identified cultural heritage sites.
Civil society news
USAID/ENGAGE Partner Representatives Named among Top 100 Leaders by Independent Media
On November 20, Vitaliy Shabunin and Daria Kaleniuk from the Anti-Corruption Action Center, a USAID/ENGAGE partner, were included in the “UP 100” list by Ukrainska Pravda. The publication recognizes individuals who show leadership, integrity, and contribute to Ukraine’s resilience and development. The list is selected by civil society, business, media, and the public.
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USAID/ENGAGE Partner Highlights the Devastating Impact of Russia’s Aggression on Ukraine’s Cultural Heritage
On November 20, Elmira Ablyalimova from the Crimean Institute for Strategic Studies (CISS) spoke at a conference on Crimean Tatar culture at Taras Shevchenko National University in Kyiv. She detailed the devastating impact of Russia’s aggression on Ukraine’s cultural heritage.
Key findings:
• 1,147 monuments have been damaged or destroyed since the invasion, including 120 of national importance.
• In occupied territories: illegal excavations, monument appropriation, and propaganda use.
• In Crimea: destruction of sites, misuse of museum collections, and illegal artifact transfers.
CISS has documented around 1,000 violations since 2017. The report calls for international action to protect Ukraine’s cultural heritage from destruction and exploitation.
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USAID/ENGAGE Partner Supports Creative Cultural Heritage Projects
From November 19 to 23 our partner Docudays held a five-day workshop under the LAB: DOCU/SYNTHESIS x War Archive project. The workshop supported creative projects on cultural heritage and memory preservation. Participants engaged in lectures, masterclasses, and discussions with experts, enhancing their skills and refining their ideas for public presentation. Five standout projects were selected for funding, mentorship, and the opportunity to be showcased at the 22nd Docudays festival in June 2025.
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USAID/ENGAGE Partner to Share Findings on Cultural Heritage Violations
On November 26, the Crimean Institute for Strategic Studies presented findings on cultural heritage violations in temporarily occupied territories. The research is based on verified data, analyzes the impact of these violations since the invasion, and details the methods used to track them. This work is crucial for assessing damages, holding perpetrators accountable, and safeguarding cultural heritage.
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National Corruption Perceptions and Experience Poll 2024
On November 26, we released the results of the nationwide survey “National Corruption Perceptions and Experience Poll 2024” This annual survey provides critical insights into public perceptions and experiences with corruption in Ukraine.
This year’s findings show that the perception of corruption as one of the most pressing issues remains consistently high. At the same time, respondents highlight that ordinary citizens and civil society are seen as the key players in the fight against corruption.
What we read?
How Russian Aggression Destroys Ukraine’s Cultural Heritage
The Crimea.Realities media outlet reports on the devastating impact of Russian aggression on Ukraine’s cultural heritage. The article details how Russian forces systematically destroy architectural monuments, conduct illegal archaeological excavations, and exploit cultural sites for propaganda purposes