The Ukrainian Minister of Culture, Olexander Tkatschenko, has resigned following public dissatisfaction over the handling of state funds. He cited "a wave of misunderstandings about the importance of culture in times of war" as the reason for his resignation.
President Zelensky requested Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal to consider replacing Tkatschenko after reports surfaced that the minister intended to allocate 500 million Hrywnja (around 12 million Euros) for the completion of a national museum commemorating the Ukrainian victims of the Holodomor genocide in the 1930s.
Tkatschenko defended cultural expenditures during wartime, emphasizing that culture is essential as it not only protects national identity but also serves as a shield for the country's borders. However, President Zelensky criticized the allocation of resources to culture during war, stating that the focus should be on defense. After 17 months of Russian aggression, the Ukrainian society understands the need for financial prudence in non-essential areas. Zelensky instructed the government to explore alternative funding options for cultural and other projects.