Ukraine Condemns UNESCO for Russian-Funded Science Prize

A significant dispute has arisen regarding UNESCO's announcement of nominations for the fourth edition of the UNESCO–Russia Mendeleev International Prize in the Basic Sciences, which is funded by the Russian government. This prize, established in 2019, awards $250,000 to each of two laureates for exceptional contributions in chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology. It has been awarded twice, in 2021 and 2023, with both winners being Russian scientists. Ukrainian officials and cultural institutions argue that the prize risks legitimizing the Kremlin amid ongoing hostilities, as Russian forces continue to damage educational and research infrastructure in Ukraine.

Euromaiden PressNational Museum of History of Ukraine calls on UNESCO to cancel Mendeleev Prize funded by RussiaForeign Ministry urges boycott of the Mendeleev Prize — a diplomatic challenge for UNESCO

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has formally condemned the initiative, calling for a boycott and cancellation of the prize. The ministry's statement emphasizes that Russia's involvement in funding the award undermines the legitimacy of international institutions and poses a risk of instrumentalizing science for political purposes. The ministry noted that since the onset of the full-scale invasion, Russia has damaged or destroyed 4,456 educational institutions and 1,443 research institutes in Ukraine. They assert that awarding a prize funded by an aggressor state contradicts UNESCO's mission to promote peace through education and culture.

Foreign Ministry urges boycott of the Mendeleev Prize — a diplomatic challenge for UNESCOEuromaiden PressNational Museum of History of Ukraine calls on UNESCO to cancel Mendeleev Prize funded by Russia

The National Museum of the History of Ukraine has echoed these sentiments, urging UNESCO to cancel the prize. The museum's statement highlights that under the guise of "science beyond politics," Russia is attempting to promote its narratives while committing war crimes. They argue that awarding the prize while Ukrainian scholars face dire circumstances—such as death from shelling or captivity—contradicts the values that UNESCO is supposed to uphold.

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The controversy surrounding the Mendeleev Prize raises critical questions about the role of international institutions in times of conflict. Ukrainian diplomats warn that ignoring their call could further delegitimize UNESCO in the eyes of the scientific community and nations affected by aggression. Conversely, adhering to Ukraine's demands could reinforce UNESCO's position as a neutral platform for science and culture.

Foreign Ministry urges boycott of the Mendeleev Prize — a diplomatic challenge for UNESCO

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine stated, "True science must serve peace, development, and humanism, and not be used as an instrument of propaganda by an aggressor state." They have urged UNESCO member states and the scientific community to take a stand against the prize, emphasizing the moral and strategic importance of their appeal.

Foreign Ministry urges boycott of the Mendeleev Prize — a diplomatic challenge for UNESCOEuromaiden PressNational Museum of History of Ukraine calls on UNESCO to cancel Mendeleev Prize funded by Russia

While the Ukrainian government and cultural institutions uniformly oppose the prize, there is no indication of support from other UNESCO member states regarding the cancellation. The lack of a unified international response raises questions about the effectiveness of UNESCO's governance in politically sensitive situations.

Foreign Ministry urges boycott of the Mendeleev Prize — a diplomatic challenge for UNESCO

• “Moscow systematically and grossly violates the goals and principles of the UN Charter, the UNESCO Constitution, and all the fundamental principles that underpin UNESCO’s mandate - to promote peace through the development of education, science and culture,” — Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

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• “While Ukrainian scientists are dying from shelling in Ukrainian cities, in Russian captivity, or defending Ukraine from Russian soldiers, one of the world's most influential organisations is awarding scientists with money from the bloody Russian government,” — National Museum of the History of Ukraine

National Museum of History of Ukraine calls on UNESCO to cancel Mendeleev Prize funded by Russia

The ongoing debate over the UNESCO-Russia Mendeleev Prize underscores the complex interplay between science, politics, and international relations in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

National Museum of History of Ukraine calls on UNESCO to cancel Mendeleev Prize funded by Russia