Kyiv, Sept 22:
Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian publishing infrastructure have destroyed more than 13 million books and caused an estimated $39.3 million in damage, putting the country’s already strained publishing industry under severe pressure.
One of the biggest losses came on August 1, when a Russian drone struck a warehouse belonging to Ranok, one of Ukraine’s major publishers, in northeastern Kharkiv. Around eight million books were destroyed in the attack.
The warehouse contained textbooks and other books intended for distribution across Ukraine. The fire reportedly burned for almost a week, leaving millions of books reduced to ash.
The attacks have also damaged printing facilities and other parts of the publishing infrastructure. Publishers say the destruction is particularly damaging to smaller and independent companies, as rebuilding printing facilities requires substantial investment.
Ukraine’s publishing sector was already struggling because of the war, shortages of workers and rising production costs. The latest attacks have created additional difficulties for publishers trying to supply schools and maintain the availability of books.
The country’s Culture Ministry is considering measures including grants, government purchases of books and insurance support to help the industry recover.
Publishers, however, say financial assistance alone may not be sufficient to replace damaged printing infrastructure and maintain production. They have also called for international assistance as they try to protect Ukraine’s publishing industry and cultural output during the war.