UNITED NATIONS: In the midst of the ongoing conflict with Russia, major historical landmarks in two Ukrainian cities are at imminent risk of destruction, warns the UN’s heritage body, UNESCO.
The iconic Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv and the medieval structures of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery site are among those facing severe peril. Additionally, UNESCO has included Lviv’s historic center in its List of World Heritage in Danger due to the inability to ensure their complete protection.
The World Heritage Committee of UNESCO emphasized that these historical sites are not only threatened by direct attacks but also by the shockwaves resulting from bombings in these cities. The Committee’s decision to list these sites underscores the collective responsibility of UN member states to safeguard these cultural treasures, urging further financial and technical support for their preservation.
Russia has assured the UN that its armed forces are taking precautions to prevent damage to these heritage sites. However, Ukraine disputes these claims, heightening concerns about the safety of these invaluable historical landmarks.
The recent additions to the danger list follow the inclusion of the Ukrainian port city of Odesa in January, nearly a year after Russia initiated its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Odesa has been heavily bombarded by Russian forces in recent months, especially after the collapse of a crucial grain export deal through the Black Sea.
UNESCO has previously criticized Russia’s bombing campaign in Ukraine. In July, the organization condemned the bombing of a building just outside Lviv’s historic old town, emphasizing the need for preservation during these trying times.
Lviv, founded in the Middle Ages, has preserved much of its architectural and cultural heritage, serving as a significant administrative, religious, and commercial center from the 13th to the 20th centuries. Its addition to the World Heritage List in 1998 highlights its historical importance.
Saint Sophia Cathedral, built in the 11th century, was conceived to rival the Hagia Sophia in modern-day Turkey, representing a rare architectural relic from that era. Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, also founded around the same time, stands as the oldest monastic complex of the Rus people, serving as a vital spiritual and cultural center during the Middle Ages.
Currently, there are more than 50 properties on UNESCO’s danger list, encompassing critical landmarks like the Old City of Jerusalem, Vienna’s historic center, and the Indonesian island of Sumatra’s tropical rainforest. The urgent need to protect these sites is a reminder of the significance of cultural preservation, especially in times of conflict and uncertainty.
