Minkult reacted to the letter of Sofia’s employees on pressure

Sofia Kyivska National Reserve

st- Sophia.org.ua

The inspections in Sofia of Kyiv began due to allegedly illegal measures on a paid basis on the territory of the reserve.

He reported it Head of the Department of Control and Supervision of Compliance with the Legislation on the Protection of Cultural Heritage of the Department of Protection and Preservation of the Ministry of Culture of Cultural Heritage, Chairman of the Commission Alexei Zhukov during a meeting with journalists, reports UP.

According to Zhukov, on April 18, 2025, a wedding was played on the territory of the reserve. Nearby was a woman who prayed at this time. According to the Christian calendar of the Eastern rite, it was Holy Friday. The next day there was a similar event.

As Alexei Zhukov explained that they then called the police and made statements. Law enforcement officers on the legality of such measures are still underway there. Thereafter, on the basis of the Minister’s order, they made a working group to check this fact and others that can be identified. Because, as Zhukov noted, there is an assumption that these are not isolated cases. However, there are no clear results at this time, as checks are still underway.

Although the ministry is wondering whether or not Zhukov claims that the reserve cannot provide paid services. But when asked by Interfax journalist, what differenties a party paid event, which was held in the reserve a couple of weeks ago, from the wedding. Mr. Alexei replied that he was not aware of such measures.

« We are simply unknown what measures are conducting in most cases the reserve. We will learn about this postfactum. Although according to the Law of Ukraine on Cultural Heritage Article 33, Part 4, any mass event must agree with the management body. In 90% of cases, the ministry is not aware of them. And before the time of inspections, » – explained Zhukov.

The official added that there are only five activities that Sofia Kyiv can do. However, all weddings, birthdays and party events were held as « cultural and educational events ».

In addition, the ministry emphasized that to take measures at a late time, when there are no employees, as guests should always be accompanied by employees of the reserve, as well as a violation is the use of alcohol in Sofia. At the same time, a restaurant is calm.

There is currently no conclusions as the commission is still working. According to Alexei Zhukov, there is some resistance from the reserve to obtain certain documents and explanations.

There is also no information about the further fate of the director of the National Reserve, Neli Kukovalskaya, who holds a position for about 20 years. She is now on the hospital and her contract lasts until June 20.

Vladimir Shornikov, Director of the Department of Protection and Preservation of the Ministry of Culture of the Ministry of Culture Volodymyr Shornikov He added that due to the large number of facts of violations in Sofia, the commission will probably be continued, and accordingly, the removal of Nelly Kukovalskaya.

Further, after the commission’s conclusions, the decision to renew Kukovalskaya will be made by the Minister of Culture.

What is known about the pressure on Sofia Kyivska Reserve

Sofia Kyivska National Reserve staff He turned to President Vladimir Zelensky with an open letter. 230 Reserve employees are asked to protect the institution from pressure from the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications. As well as continue contract with the CEO Nelya Kukovalskaya. She, according to the letter of the letter, was removed from his duties as she was on the hospital.

IN appeal Sofia of Kiev emphasize: checks that continue in the reserve since December 2024 have become “Factor Destabilization of the Institution”. The first inspection of the State Judicial Service did not find violations, but later the Ministry of Culture initiated two more. During the last Kukovalsk, he was removed from his duties.