As they retreated from Kherson, Russian occupiers looted approximately 23,000 artifacts and part of the technical equipment from the Kherson Regional Museum of Local Lore. They also destroyed and damaged the exhibition infrastructure.
The Kherson Regional Military Administration reported this on Telegram, according to Ukrinform.
“Our museum was looted during the Russian occupation. Around 23,000 artifacts were stolen. Before the war, the museum held a total of 193,000 items. The Russians were mainly interested in objects they could later sell to private collectors,” said Olha Honcharova, acting director of the Kherson Regional Museum.
Among the stolen items were Scythian and Sarmatian gold jewelry, as well as hard drives. Despite the loss, museum staff continue to accept new exhibits for safekeeping and conduct virtual tours.
“After Ukraine’s victory, valuable items currently stored in safe regions of the country will be returned to the museum. New exhibitions will also be created to reflect the experiences we’ve endured in the fight against Russian aggression,” Honcharova added.
Photo: Suspilne Kherson
Source: Russians loot 23,000 artifacts from Kherson Regional Museum
