Bohdan Malysh
Phd student,
Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv
Kyiv, Ukraine
E-mail: theodore.malysh@gmail.com
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-6341-4035
DOI: 10.17721/2522-4611.2026.54.10
INTERNATIONAL RESTITUTION ACTS: STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT AND THE UKRAINIAN DIMENSION
The purpose of this article is to trace the evolution of international restitution acts concerning cultural property from antiquity to the present day, as well as to identify key trends and analyze the specific features of Ukraine’s restitution policy within the broader international framework and in the context of the Russo-Ukrainian war.
The methodological framework of the study is based on the principles of historicism and objectivity. The research employs an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating methods of analysis, synthesis, comparison, and generalization to comprehensively examine the development of both international and domestic restitution legislation. These approaches are complemented by chronological and documentary analysis, alongside elements of diplomatic studies.
The scientific novelty of the article lies in identifying the key trends and patterns in the development of international and Ukrainian restitution acts, as well as in defining the stages of transformation of Ukrainian legislation-from a liberal-bureaucratic model to a sanctions- and contribution-oriented framework under the influence of the Russo-Ukrainian war.
Conclusions. The study demonstrates that the concept of restitution of cultural property in legal acts is inherently multi-layered. Depending on external circumstances, restitution approaches have undergone significant transformations –бfrom early ideas of non-destruction during warfare to the codification of return and compensation mechanisms. After World War II, restitution acquired a largely declarative character, grounded in the idea of the «internationalization» of cultural property and the peaceful resolution of disputes. However, under the impact of the Russo-Ukrainian war, Ukrainian legislation has shifted toward a more assertive restitution and contribution-based approach grounded in sanctions policy. This shift has also contributed to the freezing of Russian assets in favor of Ukraine and created preconditions for the development of future mechanisms aimed at seizing Russian cultural property abroad.
Key words: compensation, contribution, cultural heritage, restitution, Russo-Ukrainian war.
Received 25.03.2026.
Revised 9.04.2026.
Accepted 20.04.2026.
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