Ukraine Tracks Looted Kherson Artworks in War Crimes Probe

KYIV, Ukraine — When Ukrainian forces retook the southern city of Kherson from Russian occupation in late 2022, Alina Dotsenko, director of the Kherson Art Museum, discovered thousands of artworks missing from her institution's collection. Empty storage rooms and shelves greeted her upon return, prompting an overwhelming emotional response. "I walked in and saw empty storage rooms, empty shelves. My legs gave way, and I just sat down by the wall, like a child," Dotsenko said.

Prior to Russia's full-scale invasion in early 2022, the museum housed more than 14,000 works spanning global origins, from American to Japanese artists. As Russian forces withdrew, they loaded many pieces onto trucks and transported them to Russian-annexed Crimea, according to Dotsenko and videos captured by local residents. The whereabouts of nearly 10,000 items remain unknown, highlighting a broader pattern of cultural looting amid the ongoing conflict.

Ukraine has intensified calls for accountability as Russia prepares to reengage in international cultural forums, including participation in next month's Venice Biennale, its first since 2022. Ukrainian officials argue that such events should not overlook...