Ukrainian military evacuated stone 'babas' from Russian strike zone in Zaporizhzhia

Ukrainian military evacuated stone babas from under Russian KAB strikes in Zaporizhzhia. This was reported by the 128th Separate Heavy Mechanized Brigade "Wild Field", according to UNN.

Thanks to the efforts of the soldiers of the 128th Separate Heavy Mechanized Brigade "Wild Field", stone babas from the 12th century were evacuated from the Novomykolaivka Museum of History and Local Lore in Zaporizhzhia.

As reported by the brigade, the story began with an appeal from one of the servicemen to the Dnipro History Museum. He said that several buildings near the museum in Novomykolaivka had already been destroyed by KAB strikes — and there was a risk of losing unique historical monuments. At that time, Dmytro Kayuk, a professional historian and serviceman of the 128th Brigade "Wild Field", together with his comrades, was working on an exhibition for the brigade's fourth anniversary.

It turned out that my former student works in that museum. She confirmed that the exhibits had not yet been evacuated. I contacted the brigade commander — and he gave permission to save the stone babas, even allocated equipment.

The well-known Zaporizhzhia historian Petro Boyko joined the operation — because the exhibits had to be handed over in compliance with all rules for accepting historical values.

We had to work hard with shovels to dig up these babas. One was very large.

In addition to the stone babas, the most valuable paintings and historical finds exhibited in the museum were evacuated. They have now been transferred to one of the cultural institutions, where they will be stored for the duration of the war.

We protect not only the territory of the state, but also its history, culture, and the memory of generations.