ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Guardian podcast details systematic destruction of Ukrainian cultural heritage

cultural-heritage · 2026-06-18

A Guardian podcast, 'Culture wars: the fight to save Ukraine’s art', features chief culture writer Charlotte Higgins and host Annie Kelly. Higgins reports on the recent destruction of the Chernobyl Museum in Kyiv by a massive missile strike, just weeks after its renovation for the 40th anniversary of the disaster. She describes this as a focal point of a systematic assault on Ukrainian identity, including bombardment of historic landmarks, religious sites, and loss of cultural archives. The podcast highlights citizens risking their lives to salvage cultural heritage. Higgins' book 'Ukrainian Lessons: Art in a Time of War' is available for pre-order.

Key facts

  • The Guardian published a podcast titled 'Culture wars: the fight to save Ukraine’s art'.
  • Charlotte Higgins is the Guardian's chief culture writer.
  • Annie Kelly hosts the podcast.
  • The Chernobyl Museum in Kyiv was recently renovated for the 40th anniversary of the disaster.
  • A massive missile strike destroyed the Chernobyl Museum shortly after its reopening.
  • The destruction is part of a broader systematic assault on Ukrainian cultural heritage.
  • Historic landmarks, religious sites, and cultural archives are being targeted.
  • Citizens are risking their lives to salvage Ukraine's cultural heritage.
  • Higgins' book 'Ukrainian Lessons: Art in a Time of War' is available for pre-order.

Entities

Artists

  • Charlotte Higgins
  • Annie Kelly

Institutions

  • The Guardian
  • Chernobyl Museum

Locations

  • Kyiv
  • Ukraine

Sources