Ukraine’s Daring Mission to Save Centuries-Old Stone Statues Amid Russian Push

Ukraine’s Mission to Protect Centuries-Old Stone Statues

Amid the ongoing Russian advance in eastern Ukraine, local authorities have stepped up efforts to safeguard ancient stone statues known as "Babas" or "Polovtsian figures." These statues hold significant cultural value and link to Ukraine’s early history.

Emergency Preservation Efforts

The preservation operation focuses on the Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, and Zaporizhzhia regions. It involves collaboration between the Dnipro National Historical Museum and Ukrainian military units to prevent looting and destruction of these historical relics.

Challenges During the Mission

“These operations are carried out under constant threat from Russian drones and artillery,” said historian Yurii Fanihin, affiliated with the National History Museum of Dnipro.

Fanihin recounted how the mission started: a soldier from the Territorial Defense spotted a statue in a village garden and notified him. Through a Polish friend who had seen other statues nearby, they managed to rescue three statues between February and March.

Historical Background of the Statues

The "Babas" are believed to represent warriors or noble women and were made by the Cuman tribes, nomadic Turkic peoples who lived in the steppes until the 13th century.

“They were nomads of Turkish origin called Cumans or Polovtsians,” explained Fanihin.

Summary

This mission highlights Ukraine’s dedication to preserving its rich cultural heritage despite ongoing conflict and external threats.

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UNITED24 Media UNITED24 Media — 2025-11-05

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