USE OF UKRAINIAN MUSEUMS AS A MEANS OF RUSSIAN MILITARY PROPAGANDA

Abstract

The article examines the process of transforming Ukrainian museums into a propaganda tool within the framework of Russia’s hybrid war against Ukraine. The methods of seizing and transforming museum institutions remaining in the temporarily occupied territories, as well as the accompanying theft of museum funds to Russia and the destruction of museum exhibits, are analyzed in detail. Particular attention is paid to the process of appropriation of Ukrainian museum heritage, its integration into the Russian information field, and militarization to influence public consciousness.The author focuses on the scale of theft of historical heritage objects, in particular artifacts of world importance that are an integral part of Ukrainian cultural identity. Examples of modern exhibitions used for propaganda purposes are given, and methods of digital cataloging of museum collections for documenting crimes are analyzed. The international context of the problem is also highlighted: Ukraine’s cooperation with UNESCO and other international organizations in protecting cultural heritage, tracking the illegal circulation of museum artifacts and measures aimed at returning stolen exhibits.The process of creating new museums that function as means of ideological influence, manipulating historical facts and changing cultural facts in accordance with propaganda interests is considered. It is proven that museum exhibitions actively falsify historical events, relaying narratives that justify Russia’s occupation policy and discredit Ukraine in the international arena. Where the museum sphere is actively used to create the illusion of historical continuity and cultural unity with Russia, which is aimed at changing the collective memory of the population of the occupied territories. The key role of museum propaganda in forming citizens’ beliefs about the dominance of Russian culture, imposing historical disinformation and spreading ideological control is emphasized. The author focuses on the scale of theft of historical heritage objects, in particular artifacts of world importance, which are an integral part of Ukrainian cultural identity. Examples of modern exhibits used for propaganda purposes are given, and methods of digital cataloging of museum collections for documenting crimes are analyzed.The author focuses on the scale of theft of historical heritage objects, in particular artifacts of world importance that are an integral part of Ukrainian cultural identity. Examples of modern exhibitions used for propaganda purposes are given, and methods of digital cataloging of museum collections for documenting crimes are analyzed.The article emphasizes the critical need to protect and preserve cultural heritage in times of war, examines the risks of information influence through the museum network, and outlines the risks of transforming historical discourse in times of war, which negatively affect the preservation of national identity. The article presents strategic directions for the museum sector of Ukraine as an outpost of cultural resistance, including documenting the facts of destruction, creating digital archives, international cooperation, and using museum platforms to preserve historical memory.