Kiev-Pechersk Lavra under threat: the Reserve complained to UNESCO about heating and light cuts

An international monitoring mission of UNESCO and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) completed its work in the National Kyiv-Pechersk Historical and Cultural Reserve. Representatives of the Reserve expressed serious concern not only about direct threats from military actions, but also about critical problems with electricity and heat supply, which creates significant risks for the preservation of unique cultural and historical values.

According to the press service of the National Reserve “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra”, during the inspection the specialists thoroughly examined the territory of the Upper and Lower Lavra, including iconic objects from the Trinity Gate Church to the Near and Far Caves, as well as the Church of the Savior on Berestov and the adjacent buffer zone. Although the specific results of the inspection are not given in the Reserve’s press release, it was emphasized that in addition to the threat of rocket and drone attacks, the cultural sites suffer from constant power and heating cuts. This, according to the Reserve’s statement, creates great risks for the exhibits stored in the collection premises and presented in the expositions.

Based on the results of the mission it is planned to develop a comprehensive emergency response plan. In addition, the issue of attracting international donors to provide support for the life of the reserve, which is rightfully considered a key place that formed and continues to form the Ukrainian identity.

Earlier it became known that a serious accident occurred in the storerooms of the National Reserve “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra” – a breakdown of the heating system, resulting in a threat to about 4000 valuable museum exhibits. The incident led to the flooding of the rooms where the collections “Negatives”, “Graphics” and “Paintings” are kept.