Steinmeier Condemns Russia for Destroying Ukraine's Cultural Heritage

The German President highlights cultural losses in Ukraine while opening an exhibition of rescued artworks from Odessa in Berlin.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier described Russia's war in Ukraine as an assault on the nation's cultural identity during the opening of a Berlin art exhibition.
The exhibition, titled 'From Odesa to Berlin,' showcases 60 artworks from Odessa's Museum of Western and Eastern Art alongside pieces from Berlin collections.
Steinmeier warned of extensive damage to Ukraine's cultural landmarks, including museums, theaters, and libraries, emphasizing the intent to erase the country's cultural memory.
The artworks from Odessa were transported to Berlin in 2023 for conservation and will remain on display until June 22, 2025, before moving to Heidelberg later in the year.
Cultural Minister Claudia Roth underscored the exhibition as a testament to Ukraine's European cultural heritage and the resilience of its people during wartime.