Russian attacks on Ukraine’s publishing infrastructure targeted warehouses, printing facilities, and publishing houses, reportedly killing six people and destroying more than 8 million books. On the occasion, Jessica Sänger, Chair of the IPA’s Freedom to Publish Committee, stated: These attacks on Ukrainian books are part of a despicable attempt to erase Ukrainian culture. We cannot stop the wars but we can support our colleagues in war zones and find ways to keep them publishing the books that their communities need. Read more here.
A new initiative has been launched which facilitates financial support to small publishing houses in Ukraine: The Ministry of Culture of Ukraine and KSE Foundation, together with the Ukrainian Book Institute and Book Arsenal, are developing a grant program to help small Ukrainian publishers continue operating and reduce their vulnerability to wartime disruption. You can donate here: https://foundation.kse.ua/en/projects/support-for-small-ukrainian-publishers/
We also share resources on support programmes from our members:
- Association of University Presses: https://aupresses.org/news/aupresses-creates-crowdfunding-opportunity-to-help-ukrainian-publishers/
- Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels: https://www.boersenverein.de/politik-positionen/stand-with-ukraine-2/#c62029
- Federation of European Publishers: https://fep-fee.eu/Tales-of-EUkraine
Finally, both Ukrainian organisations shared the following appeals as part of their calls for support:
Ukrainian Publishers Association:
- continue advocating internationally for the protection of publishers, authors, printers, libraries, and educational institutions affected by Russia’s aggression;
- facilitate the establishment of international emergency support mechanisms to restore Ukraine’s destroyed printing capacity and ensure the continued production of educational books;
- support coordinated international fundraising initiatives for affected Ukrainian publishers and printing houses;
- ensure that the deliberate destruction of Ukrainian books and publishing infrastructure remains a permanent item on the agenda of international book fairs, professional forums, and IPA activities.
Ukrainian Book Institute:
- Cease cooperation with Russian entities;
- Raise awareness about Russian crimes against Ukraine, particularly those targeting our cultural heritage;
- Support Ukrainian Publishers;
- Cooperate with Ukrainian Publishers;
- Donate to medical charities supporting those affected by the Russian war in Ukraine;
- Donate to the Ukrainian army.