Russia Covets Ukraine's Cultural Treasure, U.S. Claims

U.S. President Joe Biden has accused Russia of not only genocide but also of stealing Ukrainian metal and grain. According to Washington, Moscow is also stealing Kyiv's cultural wealth, such as Scythian gold and precious artifacts

Photo Insert: US President Joe Biden speaking at the Ninth Summit of the Americas

On June 12, Biden stated that Putin wishes to destroy Ukrainian culture "because he believes that there's no such thing as an independent Ukrainian culture." And that's why we strengthened NATO, and that's why we're assisting Ukraine."

Ukraine Daily reported on June 13 that a "specialist gang" smuggles Ukraine's historic artifacts to Russia, focusing on ancient Scythian gold.

"There is now very strong evidence this is a purposive Russian move, with specific paintings and ornaments targeted and taken out to Russia," anthropologist Brian Daniels said.

Invaders have also stolen metal from Mariupol and exported it to Russia three times, the last time on June 12, according to Petro Andriushchenko, a city adviser.

In the first six months of 2022, Ukraine's metallurgical output fell by nearly half. According to Ukrmetalurhprom, the association of metallurgical enterprises, production of cast iron, steel, and rolled metal in Ukraine decreased by an average of 47 percent from January to May compared to 2021.

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