Eight unique German-language publications, printed between 1830 and 1906 in Berlin, Leipzig, Stuttgart and Munich, have been returned to Ukraine. The books, which were taken out of the country during World War II, were handed over by German citizen Barbara Breizach. Her father took these publications from Ukraine during the German occupation, and today, thanks to the joint efforts of diplomats and the family, they have been returned to Ukraine.
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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine transferred the books to the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications. In the future, they will be added to the collections of the Yaroslav Mudryi National Library, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, and the Petro Tchaikovsky National Music Academy.
Deputy Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications Serhiy Belyaev emphasised that this gesture is an example of international cooperation in the field of protecting cultural heritage and combating its illegal removal. He added that other artefacts are also expected to be returned to Ukraine in the near future.
Ksenia Smirnova, Vice-Rector of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, emphasised the symbolic nature of the event, calling it important for restoring historical memory and laying the foundation for the development of future generations.
The returned books are of significant artistic, historical and scientific value. They will be made available to researchers and the public, and may also be presented in exhibitions and scientific projects.
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