Ukraine's Ancient Treasures Successfully Returned Following Legal Dispute

Ukraine has announced that a significant collection of ancient artifacts has been returned to the country after a decade-long ownership dispute with Russia. The collection, comprising 565 items including jewelry and sculptures from the Scythian and Sarmatian civilizations, had been on loan to the Allard Pierson Museum in Amsterdam when Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. Both Ukraine and Russia claimed ownership of the artifacts, but Dutch courts sided with Ukraine. The National Museum of the History of Ukraine confirmed that the treasures, which include bronze swords, golden helmets, and precious gems, will be kept in its museum until Crimea is de-occupied. The Allard Pierson Museum stated that the objects arrived in Kyiv on Sunday, emphasizing that they had been independently verified and carefully packed. The return of the artifacts marks the end of the dispute after the Dutch Supreme Court ruled in favor of Ukraine earlier this year. While Ukraine welcomes the return, Sergei Aksenov, the Russian-installed head of Crimea, criticized the decision, stating that it was expected as the West and Kyiv allegedly disregard the law. Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesperson echoed this sentiment, claiming that the collection should stay in Crimea. The artifacts originated from five museums, four in Crimea and one in Kyiv, and include a gold Scythian ceremonial helmet dating back to the 4th Century BC.