A national programme for training specialists in the restoration of cultural heritage monuments has been launched in Ukraine.

Within the programme, the aim is to promote the profession of restorer, establish relevant departments at universities across the country, and organize training and internships, including abroad, according to the All-Ukrainian Association for the Protection of Cultural Heritage.

Currently, Ukrainian universities lack such departments, and the number of educational hours allocated to restoration specialties is minimal, resulting in few specialists entering the profession, explained Olexander Nikoryak, the head of the association.

According to him, only a small group of professional restorers works in Ukraine, and their capabilities are insufficient to cover all needs. This includes the restoration of monuments damaged by the Russian army during the full-scale invasion. Currently, there are over 1,000 such monuments in Ukraine, as commented by the acting Minister of Culture, Rostyslav Karandeyev.

Also, Nikoryak adds, efforts solely from the government and civil organizations are insufficient, so they aim to involve businesses in the restoration of cultural heritage.

The programme is being launched by the All-Ukrainian Association for the Protection of Cultural Heritage with the support of the Ministry of Culture and the International Council on Monuments and Sites.