Austria calls for probe after Prussian treasure goes missing

Suspicion falls on Russia after art historian's claims

Experts say loss is 'catastrophic' for German cultural heritage

VIENNA, Austria — Austria has called for an investigation after a priceless collection of Prussian royal treasure vanished from a museum in southern Germany. The loss of the Hohenzollern Sigmaringen Collection, which includes over 200 pieces of gold, silver, and porcelain, has been described as a "catastrophic" blow to German cultural heritage.

Suspicion has fallen on Russia after an art historian claimed that the collection was smuggled out of the country in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The historian, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the collection was being held in a secret location in Russia.

The German government has denied the claims, but has acknowledged that the collection is missing. A spokesman for the German Foreign Ministry said that the government is "working with all relevant authorities to locate the collection and return it to Germany."

The Hohenzollern Sigmaringen Collection was assembled by the Hohenzollern family, who ruled Prussia for over 500 years. The collection includes some of the most important pieces of German art and history, including the crown of Frederick the Great and the scepter of the Holy Roman Emperor.

The loss of the collection is a major blow to German cultural heritage. Experts say that it will be difficult to replace the lost pieces, which are of immense historical and cultural significance.

The Austrian government has called on the German government to investigate the disappearance of the collection and to ensure its safe return to Germany. The Austrian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that "the loss of the Hohenzollern Sigmaringen Collection is a tragedy for German cultural heritage. We call on the German government to do everything possible to locate the collection and return it to Germany."

The disappearance of the Hohenzollern Sigmaringen Collection is a reminder of the fragility of cultural heritage. The collection was lost in the chaos of war, and it is possible that it will never be recovered.

The loss of the collection is also a reminder of the importance of international cooperation in protecting cultural heritage. The collection was stolen from Germany, and it is possible that it is now being held in another country. The German government will need to work with other countries to locate the collection and return it to Germany.