Archaeological heritage of the north Azov region: challenges of modern warfare

Abstract

The article is devoted to the enormous challenges posed by the modern Russia-Ukraine war to Ukraine’s historical and culture heritage, including its integral part, the North Azov region archaeological heritage. From the very beginning of the war, eastern Ukraine’s archaeological sites were the first to experience the Russian aggression destructive power. Particular attention is paid to the state of the burial mounds, which are primarily affected by the hostilities. It is noted that not only archaeological sites are being destroyed regarding the Russian military aggression developments. Museums are being ruined and stolen, including the North Azov region archaeological collections. Emphasis is placed on the real threat to the preservation of Ukraine’s national culture heritage and its cultural values after the enemy’s gross violation of the basic principles and generally recognised international law norms.