Kherson Art Museum Looted During Occupation
During the temporary occupation of Kherson, more than 10,000 exhibits were looted from the O. O. Shovkunenko Kherson Art Museum. The Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine has announced that two individuals have been formally notified of suspicion for organizing this large-scale theft. According to the investigation, the crime took place between October 31 and November 4, 2022.
Stolen Artwork
The stolen cultural treasures include works by renowned artists, such as:
- Ivan Aivazovsky
- Oleksii Shovkunenko
- August Bayer
- Frans Verhulst
- Peter Lely
- Mykhailo Andrienko-Nechytailo
Evidence indicates the stolen items were moved to the Central Museum of Tavrida in Simferopol, Crimea. This systematic looting of cultural property is a grave breach of international law, which prohibits such acts during armed conflict.
In January 2026, prosecutors formally notified the museum's pseudo-director and the first deputy minister of culture of the Kherson region of their suspicion. The suspects' actions have been classified as a violation of the laws and customs of war, committed by a group of individuals in prior conspiracy, under Part 2 of Article 28 and Part 1 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Investigators are continuing their work to identify other individuals involved in the crime.
This case exposes the large-scale abuses occurring during the war, which threaten Ukraine's cultural heritage.
Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine
The removal of these artistic treasures not only violates international law but also inflicts irreparable damage on the nation's cultural legacy. Continuing the investigation and holding all perpetrators accountable is a crucial step in restoring justice and protecting Ukraine's national culture.