Introduction
A recent Russian attack in Kyiv has resulted in damage to Saint Sophia Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Ukraine's most significant historical monuments. The incident highlights the ongoing threats faced by cultural heritage in the region.Context
Saint Sophia Cathedral, revered as "the soul of all Ukraine," dates back to the 11th century and is a symbol of the nation's statehood. Mykola Tochytskyi, Ukraine's culture minister, emphasized the attack's impact on the core of Ukrainian identity, while Vadym Kyrylenko, the site’s first deputy director general, confirmed that this is the first instance of damage to the cathedral since the onset of the war.Developments
The attack caused a blast wave that damaged the cornice on the main apse of the cathedral, with pieces of white plaster falling to the ground. Video footage from the scene revealed a visible gap in the cornice. Despite the damage, Kyrylenko reported no critical harm to the nearly 1000-year-old site, which will undergo inspection and repairs by a specialized institute.Amid continuous air raids on the capital, the threat from low-flying Russian drones remains significant. Kyrylenko mentioned that security personnel have observed drones flying perilously close to the bell tower's crosses, which stand 76 meters above ground.
Due to the ongoing risks posed by the Russian offensive, UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee designated Saint Sophia Cathedral as a World Heritage site in Danger. The organization noted the threat to the monument's structural integrity and its ancient interiors, including mosaics and frescoes.