UNESCO responded to the damage to the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra as a result of Russian shelling of Kyiv on the night of June 15. The organization condemned “attacks on cultural heritage sites protected by international law.”
The relevant statement was published on the organization’s official website.
“In connection with the escalation of the war in Ukraine following the invasion of the Russian Federation, UNESCO condemns reports of shelling on June 15, which struck the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra – one of Ukraine’s most important spiritual and cultural landmarks,” the statement reads.
The Lavra is part of the World Heritage site “Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.” The cultural monument is also under enhanced protection in accordance with the Hague Convention of 1954 and its Second Protocol;
UNESCO noted that according to available information, the strike caused significant damage to the exterior and interior decoration of the Dormition Cathedral. Other historical structures of the complex were also affected, including elements of the Lavra’s defensive fortifications and Ivan Kushnik’s Tower.
“UNESCO condemns attacks on cultural heritage sites, educational institutions, students, educators, and media workers, which are protected by international law. Damage to such institutions deprives communities of access to culture, education, and shared spaces necessary for recovery and social cohesion,” the organization states.
UNESCO also expressed its readiness to provide support to the Ukrainian authorities in assessing the damage.
Earlier, the National Commission of Ukraine for UNESCO called on the international community to increase pressure on Russia and demanded a firm reaction from the organization’s leadership. The Ukrainian side also called for an urgent visit of UNESCO experts to the damaged sites to document the destruction and assess the consequences of the attack.
“Impunity breeds new crimes. The terrorist country must be held accountable. Russia is guilty of heinous crimes against culture and should not have a voice in UNESCO. We call on all countries to work to prevent Russia from participating in key UNESCO bodies,” the commission stated.
Damage to the Lavra as a result of the June 15 shelling
On the night of June 15, a Russian drone hit the territory of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. As a result, a fire engulfed the roof of the Dormition Cathedral. The head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, Timur Tkachhenko, noted that the damage was substantial.
After the attack, sacred objects and liturgical items – in particular, ancient icons and antimensions – were urgently evacuated from the Lavra. According to Bishop Avraamiy, thanks to the efforts of the Lavra brethren, staff, and rescuers, it was possible to preserve valuables and minimize the threat to people.
The SBU stated that the Lavra was attacked by a “Geran-2” drone – fragments of the hull and engine were found at the site. Investigators are qualifying the strike as a war crime and have already initiated criminal proceedings.
The Museum of Book and Printing of Ukraine is located on the territory of the Lavra. Five windows in the exhibition hall and two windows in the library’s storage facilities were damaged there.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko stated that the Dormition Cathedral would be restored. For this purpose, the government will urgently allocate funds from the reserve fund of the state budget, and Ukrainian entrepreneurs and patrons have already expressed their readiness to participate in the restoration of the shrine.