A Russian Lieutenant General from the city of Chuhuiv in Kharkiv Oblast, accused of directing a missile strike on the Hryhorii Skovoroda National Literary Memorial Museum, will be tried in absentia.
Source: Prosecutor General's Office
Details: Regional media outlet Suspilne Kharkiv reported that the individual in question is Oleh Makovetskyi, Commander of the Russian 6 th Air and Air Defence Forces Army.
The investigation found that he knew full well that he was attacking a monument of Ukrainian culture rather than a military target. He issued a combat order for its destruction. Law enforcement officers have established the entire chain of transmission of the order through the commanders of the aviation division and the fighter aviation wing.
Oleh Makovetskyi will be tried for violating the laws and customs of war committed as part of a premeditated conspiracy by a group of individuals. He faces up to 15 years' imprisonment or a life sentence.
The museum in Skovorodynivka is a large memorial complex of monuments dating back to the 18 th century, dedicated to the life and work of the famous Ukrainian philosopher and poet Hryhorii Savych Skovoroda. It was founded in 1972.
The museum collection comprises several thousand exhibits, including some of the philosopher's personal belongings, editions of his works, academic and literary works about him, books by ancient, medieval and modern philosophers and poets studied by Hryhorii Skovoroda, ethnographic artefacts, as well as paintings, graphic works and sculptures dedicated to him. Skovoroda's grave is near the main building.
Strike on the museum in Skovorodynivka
In May 2022, a Russian missile hit the roof of the building , causing a massive fire.
At that time, the missile struck beneath the roof of the building, igniting a fire that engulfed the entire museum. The 35-year-old son of the museum director, who had stayed behind to guard the premises overnight, suffered injuries. He was pulled from under the rubble and taken to hospital.
Only the statue of the philosopher survived the missile strike, becoming a distinctive symbol of resilience. Later, museum staff collected shards of pottery, metal fragments and charred books.
In 2024, the Security Service of Ukraine identified who had ordered the destruction of the Skovoroda Museum. It turned out to be Ivan Panchenko, commander of the 159 th Fighter Aviation Regiment of the Western Military District of the Russian Armed Forces. Law enforcement officers notified him of the charges in absentia.
Last year, restorers managed to reconstruct 27 of the museum's exhibits.
In May 2026, a Russian drone damaged the protective shelter covering the building of the Hryhorii Skovoroda Museum.
Your support onPatreonhelps us keep the news free and accessible.