Millions of burnt books show how 'war of endurance' is hurting Ukraine
VIKTOR Kruhlov, director of Ranok, one of Ukraine’s largest children’s publishers, struggled to hold back tears as he watched pile after pile of his books turn to ash.
A devastating Russian drone strike on a publishing warehouse in Kharkiv left millions of books in ashes, marking one of the gravest blows to Ukraine's publishing industry amid the ongoing war. Director Viktor Kruhlov of Ranok, a major children's publisher in Ukraine, expressed deep sorrow over the destruction, noting that the first explosion was followed by a second, indicating a deliberate targeted attack.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has often questioned Ukraine's separate statehood, arguing that Russians and Ukrainians share a common identity. The attacks on warehouses and printing houses have deeply affected Ukraine, where the war is perceived as a struggle for national survival and identity. Education Minister Andrii Butenko described these attacks as attempts to destroy Ukraine's language, history, and memory, which are integral to the nation's future.
The economic disruption caused by these strikes highlights the mounting financial costs of the war, with economists and business leaders warning of a potential crisis. Ukraine's economy, while resilient thus far, remains about a fifth below its pre-war level, and experts predict further slowing growth in 2026 as Russia intensifies its attacks on infrastructure and logistics.
Agriculture, a critical sector for Ukraine's economy, is also facing significant challenges due to Russian attacks on Black Sea port infrastructure, potentially costing the farm sector up to US$3 billion this year. The publishing industry, with its long production cycles, is particularly vulnerable, with fewer Ukrainians able to afford books as costs rise.
The central bank expects the defense sector to contribute to economic growth, but the rest of the economy remains largely stagnant.
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