On Oct.28, 2024, Russia attacked central Kharkiv, damaging the historic Derzhprombuilding—an outstanding example of Constructivism and a candidate for UNESCOWorld Heritage status.
At around9:00 p.m., a Russian KAB-500 guided bomb hit Derzhprom, partially destroyingseveral floors. Seven people were injured, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhovreported.
KharkivRegional Military Administration head Oleh Syniehubov clarified: “Those injuredinclude different categories of people—from a police officer on duty topassersby. It happened around 9:00 p.m., because this is the city center. It’sa miracle more people weren’t hurt, because this area is usually quitecrowded.”
“The Naziswere unable to destroy this building during World War II, and now the Russiansare trying to destroy it,” said Volodymyr Tymoshko, head of Kharkiv OblastPolice. He noted that the aerial bomb flew into the office of a judge at theCommercial Court, located in Derzhprom. “This is a civilian facility; it has nomilitary significance,” Tymoshko added.
The attackdamaged not only Derzhprom, but also administrative buildings, the regionalhospital, and residential homes—hundreds of windows were shattered acrossmultiple buildings.
Context and reaction
This is notthe first strike on Derzhprom. Earlier, in March 2022, the blast wave from astrike on the regional administration building blew out windows in theConstructivist landmark. In January 2024, the building’s stained glass andglazing were damaged again during shelling nearby.
PresidentVolodymyr Zelenskyy responded sharply to the latest attack: “Every handshakewith the war criminal Putin adds to his confidence. Instead of trying toappease him, we must force him toward peace through collective resolve.”
Derzhpromis more than an architectural symbol
Derzhpromis more than an architectural symbol
Derzhpromis the world’s largest Constructivist building and a defining part of Kharkiv’sarchitectural identity. Built in 1928, it is one of the city’s mostrecognizable landmarks and has protected monument status. In September 2023,UNESCO added Kharkiv’s Derzhprom to its list of sites under enhancedprotection. The building is also a candidate for inclusion on the UNESCO WorldHeritage List. Russia’s aggression puts at risk not only people’s lives everyday, but also Ukraine’s cultural heritage.
Workedon the piece:
Topic researcher, text author: Vira Labych
Photo editor: Viacheslav Ratynskyi
Literary editor: Yuliia Futei
