On the 10th of October, as a result of the massive missile strikes of russians at Ukrainian cities, the office of the National Antarctic Scientific Center (NASC) located in Kyiv was partly destroyed. Luckily, none of the people got hurt which is the most important.
Recently there was an opportunity to enter the office. The hit wave broke all windows and glass. The strike was so strong that pieces of the broken glass as daggers got stuck into wooded doors. Inner concrete walls got cracks.
But all priceless data on serves and unique paper archives are preserved. Our exclusive 2-meter penguin has survived as well, so there will be a chance to see it at our future exhibitions.
It was excruciating to see broken group photos of Ukrainian Antarctic expeditions. As our guests could see, following the tradition, all group photos of the wintering teams were put on the wall in the cabinet of the Director of the Center – in total, 26. Luckily, this can also be restored.
Ukrainian polar researchers from the Vernadskiy station have sent a letter to all Antarctic stations regarding ruining the office of the NASC to inform the international community about the new, millesimal proof of the military crimes of Russians. Namely, they stated that “it is a crime not only against civilians… , but also against science itself, including Antarctic research, which is a part of the world science”.
Currently, NASC staff work online, continuing support to the current expedition and preparation for the new one. We will inform you about the further destiny of the office later.
We will reconstruct but will not forgive. Russia is a terrorist state.
Photos: Aleksandr Zakletsky, Yulia Kryvytska.