In the previous episodes of the ‘Why Do They Steal’ narrative documentary podcast, we explored the past, examining cases of Russians appropriating Ukrainian culture and history. However, in this final episode, we focus on the future.

As Ukrainians, we must understand how to address these cultural appropriations. Join us as we dig deeper into discussions with historians, activists, and lawyers to not only explore the reasons behind Russian theft but also reveal strategies for reclaiming the lost items for Ukraine.

The material was prepared with the support of the International Renaissance Foundation. The material reflects the position of the authors and does not necessarily coincide with the position of the International Renaissance Foundation.

This is the fourth episode of the documentary narrative podcast 'Why Do They Steal?'. 

In this episode, we uncover the story of historical valuables from the Crimean peninsula, which became stuck in the Netherlands due to the russian occupation.

Joining us are lawyers, historians, and museum workers, as we revisit the details of the "Scythian gold" case, which gained global attention. We'll discuss firsthand pieces of evidence related to the case that led to the return of treasures to Ukraine. Furthermore, we'll explain why the failure for russia is more than just losing valuable items.

The material was prepared with the support of the International Renaissance Foundation. The material reflects the position of the authors and does not necessarily coincide with the position of the International Renaissance Foundation.

Production: 435 FILMS

Showrunners: Kornii Hrytsyuk and Anna Palenchuk

Scriptwriters: Kornii Hrytsyuk and Yurii Marchenko

Producer and Narrator: Anna Palenchuk

Sound Supervisor: Vasyl Yavtushenko

Assistant: Iryna Terletska

Project Coordinator: Olena Kirichek

English Translation: Anastasiia Perun

English Voice-Over: Alina Zevakova, Rob Feldman, Kateryna Hordiienko

English Voice-Over Recording: Pavlo Melnyk, Alla Shmatok

Editors: Oleksandr Vitraniuk, Vadym Stepanov

Podcast Cover Designer: Anton Vasyliev

Ukrainska Pravda:

Head of Podcasts: Fedir Popadiuk

YouTube Manager: Dmytro Moskvych

This is the third episode of the narrative documentary podcast 'Why Do They Steal?,' delving into the history of the ancient 12th-century mosaics – underestimated masterpieces created by Kyiv masters.

We will recount the tragic fate of St. Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral, once gleaming with its domes in downtown Kyiv until its destruction by the Soviet Union.

Next, we'll explore an exhibition dedicated to the 12th-century heroic poem, written in Kyiv, and how it played a role in the disappearance of the ancient mosaics from St. Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral. Finally, we will delve into how totalitarianism led to the destruction of the same Cathedral, a unique architectural piece of the 12th century.

The material was prepared with the support of the International Renaissance Foundation. The material reflects the position of the authors and does not necessarily coincide with the position of the International Renaissance Foundation.

Production: 435 FILMS

Showrunners: Kornii Hrytsyuk and Anna Palenchuk

Scriptwriters: Kornii Hrytsyuk and Yurii Marchenko

Producer and Narrator: Anna Palenchuk

Sound Supervisor: Vasyl Yavtushenko

Assistant: Iryna Terletska

Project Coordinator: Olena Kirichek

English Translation: Anastasiia Perun

English Voice-Over: Alina Zevakova, Rob Feldman, Kateryna Hordiienko

English Voice-Over Recording: Pavlo Melnyk, Alla Shmatok

Editors: Oleksandr Vitraniuk, Vadym Stepanov

Podcast Cover Designer: Anton Vasyliev

Ukrainska Pravda:

Head of Podcasts: Fedir Popadiuk

YouTube Manager: Dmytro Moskvych

In the second episode of the documentary narrative podcast 'Why Do They Steal?,' we explore the legacy of the Ukrainian Hetman Ivan Mazepa. We delve into the ongoing lack of understanding of the significance of this historical figure. This episode investigates the russian aversion to anything associated with Mazepa while harboring a desire to appropriate the Hetman’s legacy.

For instance, the Lev (Lion) cannon, rushed by the russians to become a symbol of their empire, was left uncharged. Or consider the Pigeon Bell, awkwardly rescued and subsequently mishandled, leading to its ultimate breakage. Moreover, we examine why, even after 300 years, the russians can’t get over Mazepa.

The material was prepared with the support of the International Renaissance Foundation. The material reflects the position of the authors and does not necessarily coincide with the position of the International Renaissance Foundation.

Production: 435 FILMS

Showrunners: Kornii Hrytsyuk and Anna Palenchuk

Scriptwriters: Kornii Hrytsyuk and Yurii Marchenko

Producer and Narrator: Anna Palenchuk

Sound Supervisor: Vasyl Yavtushenko

Assistant: Iryna Terletska

Project Coordinator: Olena Kirichek

English Translation: Anastasiia Perun

English Voice-Over: Alina Zevakova, Rob Feldman, Kateryna Hordiienko

English Voice-Over Recording: Pavlo Melnyk, Alla Shmatok

Editors: Oleksandr Vitraniuk, Vadym Stepanov

Podcast Cover Designer: Anton Vasyliev

Ukrainska Pravda:

Head of Podcasts: Fedir Popadiuk

YouTube Manager: Dmytro Moskvych

"Why Do They Steal?" is a documentary narrative podcast uncovering the centuries-long theft of Ukrainian cultural treasures by russia. The appropriation of Scythian gold, the heritage of Ukrainian Cossacks, and ancient mosaics and frescoes from Ukrainian cathedrals. Across five episodes, we delve into how these valuables ended up in russian museums and strategies for their potential return.

In the first episode, we explore the Scythians, a nation revered by Herodotus, 'the father of history'. We examine a unique kurgan in the currently russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Melitopol and delve into the russians' kidnapping of the Director of the Melitopol Museum of Local History. Additionally, we discuss the Scythian gold collection found in the Melitopol Kurgan and examine russia's attempts to appropriate not only relics but the entire Scythian culture.

The material was prepared with the support of the International Renaissance Foundation. The material reflects the position of the authors and does not necessarily coincide with the position of the International Renaissance Foundation.

"Why Do They Steal?" is the English adaptation of a Ukrainian podcast with the same title, released in Autumn 2022.

Production: 435 FILMS

Showrunners: Kornii Hrytsyuk and Anna Palenchuk

Scriptwriters: Kornii Hrytsyuk and Yurii Marchenko

Producer and Narrator: Anna Palenchuk

Sound Supervisor: Vasyl Yavtushenko

Assistant: Iryna Terletska

Project Coordinator: Olena Kirichek

English Translation: Anastasiia Perun

English Voice-Over: Alina Zevakova, Rob Feldman, Kateryna Hordiienko

English Voice-Over Recording: Pavlo Melnyk, Alla Shmatok

Editors: Oleksandr Vitraniuk, Vadym Stepanov

Podcast Cover Designer: Anton Vasyliev

Ukrainska Pravda:

Head of Podcasts: Fedir Popadiuk

YouTube Manager: Dmytro Moskvych

Guests of the Podcast:

Anton Drobovych

Yurii Boltryk

Leila Ibrahimova

Oleksandr Liubyshko

Ivan Sydor

Yurii Losytskyi

Yevheniia Kuleba

Elmira Ablyalimova

Diana Klochko

Andriy Karnaukhov

Liudmyla Strokova

Maksym Blakytnyi

Olga Kovalevska