Residents of Kharkiv expressed their outrage and despair following a Russian airstrike on the historic Derzhprom building on Monday night, calling it a brutal act of cultural vandalism against a cherished symbol of Ukrainian resilience. The UNESCO-listed constructivist structure was struck by a powerful FAB-500 bomb shortly after 9 PM, resulting in extensive damage and injuring nine people.
The attack caused significant destruction to the building, completed in 1928, which has long stood as an architectural landmark showcasing Soviet innovation. The strike blew out windows, sheared off a corner of the building, and exposed an internal zig-zag staircase. As rescuers worked to clear the wreckage on Tuesday, debris from the upper floors was tossed into the courtyard below.
Denys Bohdanov, a local resident, described the situation as “pure horror,” condemning the Russian forces as “monsters” devoid of civilized values. He stated, “The Russians bring hell,” as he surveyed the wreckage around the iconic building.
Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov emphasized the building's significance, referring to it as an "architectural treasure for all of Ukraine." He lamented the Kremlin's actions, stating, “If we look back at World War II, even Hitler couldn’t do what the Russians have done.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Derzhprom had suffered "severe damage" amid a series of attacks across the country, including his hometown of Kryvyi Rih. Zelenskyy criticized international leaders who engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggesting that such gestures only embolden the aggressor. “Every handshake with war criminal Putin boosts his confidence,” he stated, underscoring the need for collective action to bring about peace.
The attack not only damaged the historic building but also destroyed several modern artworks displayed on its ground floor. Curator Oleksandr Afanasiev lamented the loss but remained optimistic about the future. “We can rebuild, of course. But it takes time and resources,” he remarked.
Among those injured in the strike were a police officer and a female security guard who was inside the building at the time. As workers began boarding up broken windows on Tuesday, the community rallied to repair damage across the city, which has faced relentless bombardment since Russia's full-scale invasion began in 2022.
The Derzhprom building, located in Kharkiv’s central Freedom Square, has become a focal point of Russia’s ongoing campaign against Ukraine. The recent attack, which follows previous strikes on nearby government buildings, has left residents devastated. Viktoriia Grivina, a local writer and doctoral candidate, shared her heartbreak, saying, “It’s the building I love the most in this world. For every Kharkiv local, it’s the symbol of freedom and ingenuity.”
Historians and security experts echoed these sentiments, highlighting the cultural and historical significance of Derzhprom. Maria Avdeeva, a security expert, noted that the building stands as the largest surviving constructivist monument globally, illustrating Ukraine's steadfast resistance against Russian aggression. She also criticized Western allies for their reluctance to provide Ukraine with the necessary support to combat air attacks effectively.
As Kharkiv continues to endure the impact of the ongoing conflict, the community remains resolute, determined to preserve their cultural heritage and rebuild what has been lost.
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