The Society of Antiquaries of London condemns the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation. As stated by the UN Secretary-General, such operations are violations of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and are inconsistent with the Charter of the United Nations.
The Society supports the calls from UNESCO and Blue Shield International for respect for international humanitarian law, notably the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and its two (1954 and 1999) Protocols, to ensure the prevention of damage to cultural heritage in all its forms. The Society also calls on all those involved in the conflict to obey all relevant international law and to protect the civilian population wherever and whenever possible.