Stolen Heritage

The Rescue Archaeology Center of the Institute for the History of Material Culture of the russian Academy of Sciences (IIMK RAN), headed by Solovyova, was involved in large-scale archaeological works in the Southern Suburb of Tauric Chersonesos in temporarily occupied Sevastopol in 2021–2023. The works were carried out as part of the creation of the "New Chersonesos" historical and archaeological park, with support from the "My History" Foundation and the ministry of defence of the russian federation.
The archaeological works and related construction activities covered more than 85,000 m² of territory and were accompanied by the disturbance and destruction of cultural layers dating from various historical periods.
As head of the Center, Solovyova ensures the organizational and scientific participation of the IIMK RAN in illegal archaeological activities in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, facilitating the removal of Ukrainian cultural heritage and its use in the interests of the aggressor state.

Ivan Vladimirovich Yesin, as Director of the "My History" Foundation for the Support of the Humanities, exercises overall management of an organization involved in the implementation of large-scale cultural and infrastructure projects, including in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. Under his leadership, the foundation participates in the creation of museum, exhibition, and educational spaces aimed at integrating the cultural environment of the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine into the russian historical and ideological space.
In particular, the foundation’s activities are linked to the implementation of the "New Chersonesos" project on the territory of and in the vicinity of Tauric Chersonesos. The implementation of this project was accompanied by large-scale construction and intervention in the historical and archaeological environment of the heritage site. As part of the works carried out in the area associated with Tauric Chersonesos, archaeological excavations and construction activities took place, resulting in damage to and destruction of part of the cultural layer, while the archaeological objects removed during the works were subsequently included into the russian museum and academic sphere.
In June 2022, during an interview with the russian propaganda outlet NEWS.ru, Yesin, employing narratives of russian propaganda, stated that Chersonesos, Kerch, and other Black Sea cities, in his view, affirm russia as the heir to the Classical era and Byzantium.
In addition, the "My History" Foundation for the Support of the Humanities is implementing a project to establish "Open Education Centers in the russian Language" abroad, aimed at increasing interest in the russian language, strengthening its position worldwide, as well as expanding and supporting international and humanitarian ties.

In the position of the so-called Deputy Governor of Sevastopol, he facilitates the incorporation of the city’s cultural heritage sites into the russian system of state registration, protection, urban planning, and management.
His area of responsibility also includes decisions in the fields of architecture and urban development, creating administrative conditions for the implementation of infrastructure and cultural projects associated with the transformation of the city’s historic environment, including areas connected with Tauric Chersonesos.

In the position of Professor at the Department of World History of "Donetsk State University," this individual organizes and coordinates the involvement of students in illegal archaeological activities in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. In particular, student internships are conducted "as part of integration into the russian cultural and educational space" pursuant to an agreement between Donetsk State University and the "Tauric Chersonesos" Museum-Reserve.
Such activities are aimed at integrating the educational and cultural spheres of the temporarily occupied territories into the system of the russian federation, as well as fostering loyalty to the occupation authorities through academic and archaeological activities.
The illegal excavations were carried out within the UNESCO World Heritage property "Ancient City of Tauric Chersonese and its Chora," including at the sites of a Roman watch post dating to the 2nd–3rd centuries CE and an ancient road dating to the 4th century BC.