Peter Kraus vom Cleff: ‘Targeted attacks on the Ukrainian book industry are a perfidious part of Russia’s hybrid warfare’

The German Publishers and Booksellers Association (Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels) published a statement and expressed condolences regarding the shelling of the Factor Druk printing house in Kharkiv.

“The attack on the Factor printing plant strikes at the heart of the Ukrainian book industry. We are shocked and appalled! Our thoughts and sympathy are especially with the injured and the families of the victims. According to UN figures, over 10,000 Ukrainian civilians have already lost their lives since Russia began its attack on Ukraine in violation of international law. Targeted attacks on the Ukrainian book industry are a perfidious part of Russia’s hybrid warfare. These heinous and inhumane acts must stop! We continue to support our Ukrainian colleagues,” wrote Peter Kraus vom Cleff, Managing Director of the German Publishers and Booksellers Association.

Photo: Serhii Polituchiy

The German publisher Katapult prints its geopolitical magazine “Katapult” at Factor Druk. The publisher announced a fundraiser for the affected printing house.

As reported earlier, as a result of the Russian attack, seven people were killed, 22 were injured, and about 50,000 books were destroyed. Factor Druk produced books for over 30 publishers.

Copy Editing: Terra Friedman King