Russia destroyed more than 1.5 million Ukrainian books in just a few weeks: textbooks were among those targeted
21 July 05:50
Russian missile and drone attacks in just the first part of July alone resulted in the destruction of more than 1.5 million Ukrainian books. A significant portion of the losses consisted of textbooks for schoolchildren that were already ready to be sent to schools.
This was reported by the Ukrainian Book Institute on its official Facebook page, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
The institute emphasized that this is not merely a matter of material damage, but also a deliberate destruction of Ukrainian culture, education, and national memory.
The Ukrainian Book Institute stated that in July alone, more than 1.5 million copies of books were lost as a result of Russian shelling.
According to representatives of the institution, Russian attacks are directed not only against civilian infrastructure but also against Ukrainian education, book publishing, and cultural heritage.
Official information about the activities of the Ukrainian Book Institute is available on the institution’s website: Ukrainian Book Institute.
The “Konvi” printing house suffered the greatest losses
On the night of July 19, during a massive Russian attack on Kyiv, the “Konvi” Group’s printing plant—one of Ukraine’s largest printing enterprises—was severely damaged.
According to the company’s commercial director, Viktoria Haidai, a ballistic missile strike virtually destroyed the company’s printing and bookbinding facilities.
According to her:
- the production facilities were left without a roof;
- the printing equipment was destroyed or damaged by water;
- the company’s office was almost completely gutted by fire;
- none of the employees were injured.
A quarter of a million school textbooks were destroyed
The most painful loss was nearly 250,000 textbooks for 9th-grade students that were ready to be shipped.
In addition, approximately 350,000 books in various stages of production were damaged, including textbooks for fourth-grade students.
These books were due to arrive at Ukrainian schools in the near future.
Dozens of Ukrainian publishing houses were affected
Dozens of Ukrainian publishers who had their products printed there were affected by the destruction of the printing plant.
Among them:
- “Ranok”;
- “Gramota”;
- “Litera LTD”;
- “Lingvist”;
- “#Bookhead”;
- “Laboratory”;
- “Artbooks”;
- “ASSA”;
- “Kalamar”;
- “Athena”;
- “Aston”;
- “Bukchef”;
- MISON;
- “Higher School”;
- “Medicine”;
- “Apriori” and others.
For many of them, finished print runs or products that were in the final stages of printing were lost.
MISON Publishing Has Not Canceled the Presentation of a New Book
Despite the damage to the warehouse, MISON Publishing announced that the launch of writer Olena Skulovatova’s debut book, *Museum of Family Stories*, will take place as scheduled.
According to founders Inna and Oleksandr Pakholyuk, only about 200 copies were lost, so all customers will receive their orders.
“Knyholav” reported the loss of nearly 250,000 books
One of the hardest-hit publishers was “Knygolav,” which, following the Russian strike, reported the loss of nearly 250,000 books.
Publishers note that the destruction of such a large print run means not only enormous financial losses but also delays in the release of many new titles.
Ukrainian book publishing continues despite the war
Despite constant Russian attacks, the Ukrainian book market continues to operate.
According to the Ukrainian Book Institute, there were about 400 active publishing houses in Ukraine in 2025, and the industry’s total revenue even increased, although book print runs declined slightly.
The Ministry of Culture also emphasizes that the government continues to support book publishing through the “eBook” program, which has already helped hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians purchase nearly half a million books.
