Russian attacks on Ukraine’s publishing infrastructure have targeted warehouses, printing facilities, and publishing houses, reportedly killing six people and destroying more than 8 million books. In response to these attacks, Jessica Sänger, Chair of the International Publishers Association’s Freedom to Publish Committee, described the destruction as part of an attempt to erase Ukrainian culture. She emphasized that while the war cannot be stopped, the international community can support colleagues in war zones to keep them publishing necessary books.
The Ministry of Culture of Ukraine and the KSE Foundation are collaborating with the Ukrainian Book Institute and Book Arsenal to develop the grant program. This initiative is designed to reduce the vulnerability of small Ukrainian publishers to wartime disruption and ensure their continued operation.
Other industry bodies have also mobilized resources. The Association of University Presses created a crowdfunding opportunity to assist Ukrainian publishers, while the Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels and the Federation of European Publishers have shared support programs and resources for the sector.
The Ukrainian Publishers Association has issued specific appeals for international advocacy regarding the protection of publishers, authors, printers, libraries, and educational institutions. They are calling for the establishment of emergency support mechanisms to restore destroyed printing capacity and ensure the continued production of educational books. Additionally, they seek coordinated international fundraising and want the destruction of Ukrainian books to remain a permanent agenda item at international book fairs and professional forums.
The Ukrainian Book Institute has separately called for a cessation of cooperation with Russian entities and increased awareness of crimes targeting cultural heritage. Their appeals also include direct support for Ukrainian publishers, cooperation with local industry partners, and donations to medical charities and the Ukrainian army to support those affected by the conflict.