On September 21, 2023, the United States of America returned cultural treasures to Ukraine that had been illegally taken by Russian occupiers from temporarily occupied territories. In June 2022, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection detained an ancient artefact, which, following thorough research, was identified as a European iron battle-axe from the 17th century with a hammerhead on the rear end. Additionally, three iron battle-axes from the 17th century, three 17th-century picks, two iron Scythian swords (akinakes) from the 6th century BCE, and an iron spearhead dating back to 500-1200 BCE were also confiscated.

According to the Office of the President of Ukraine, a ceremony for the return of these cultural treasures took place in the presence of the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, and the Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States, Oksana Markarova. During this significant event, a corresponding transfer certificate for the Ukrainian artefacts confiscated by U.S. law enforcement agencies was signed.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his sincere gratitude to all those involved in the return of these artefacts. He emphasised that the return of cultural treasures stolen by Russian occupiers represents the restoration of life and justice, which is of utmost importance for Ukraine.

On her part, Oksana Markarova noted that Russians continuously attempt to deprive Ukraine of its history, national identity, and material possessions. She underscored that Ukraine will not allow them to do so.

It's worth recalling that in May of this year, the Office of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea reported the looting of the "Chersonesos Taurica" Museum-Reserve in Crimea by the occupiers, including the removal of valuable artefacts. In March, the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine also stated that the process of returning stolen art objects by the occupiers could take years or even decades, as determining the exact quantity of stolen items is a complex and lengthy process.