Ukraine

We are deeply concerned by the escalating violence in Ukraine - people are being killed, homes destroyed and cultural heritage is under attack. Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine and all those affected.

Precious places, objects and stories are often deliberately targeted in conflict and destroying cultural heritage strikes at the heart of communities.

The UK is a signatory to the 1954 Hague Convention, as is Russia, and has a duty to protect cultural heritage in time of war.

We have a role to provide advice to the government on the implementation of international treaties that concern heritage, such as the Hague Convention, and the obligations that come from them. We collaborate with international organisations involved in heritage protection such as UNESCO, ICCROM and the European Heritage Heads Forum.

We are engaging with key national and international partners about how we can offer meaningful support now and in the future.

In 2019-2020 we partnered with IWM London on an exhibition that explored why cultural heritage is attacked during war and how we save, protect and restore what is targeted.

Find out what you can do to help the people of Ukraine on the gov.uk website.