Our statement on Ukraine and cultural property protection

A close up of three acorns and oak leaves — An oak tree | © National Trust Images/Hilary Daniel

The National Trust expresses deep concern as the conflict in Ukraine worsens, posing an immediate and urgent threat to civilian lives and irreparable harm to Ukraine’s extraordinary wealth of cultural heritage.

As the largest conservation charity in Europe, the Trust stands with UNESCO and those in the cultural and creative world in calling for the protection of Ukraine’s rich cultural heritage, and the respect of all involved for the 1954 Hague Convention on the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict.

With close to 1 million objects spread over 200 places, and many and varied archaeological sites of national and international significance, the Trust cares for one of the largest cultural heritage collections in the world.

We are committed to working in collaboration and partnership with fellow heritage bodies, our world family of heritage trusts and museum organisations to respect, protect, share and celebrate our diverse global cultural heritage for the widest possible public benefit.

The Trust recognises its responsibility in supporting the UK’s legal obligations to the 1954 Hague Convention, including helping with its understanding and promotion amongst the public, cultural heritage professionals, and military or law-enforcement agencies.

We extend our friendship to all those seeking to protect Ukraine’s people and history and to uphold international humanitarian law.