The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has criticized UNESCO for its statement regarding the attack on the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra

The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has criticized UNESCO over the wording of its statement regarding the damage to the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry considers it unacceptable that the organization did not explicitly cite the Russian strike as the cause of the damage to the cultural heritage site.

According to Pravdatutnews, the Foreign Ministry’s position was articulated by the department’s spokesperson, Georgiy Tikhiy. He stated that the UNESCO statement lacked a direct indication that the shrine was damaged as a result of a Russian strike.

Tikhiy called the international organization’s position absurd, emphasizing that an agency responsible for protecting cultural heritage must clearly identify the source of the threat. “An organization responsible for protecting cultural heritage cannot even directly say from whom it needs to be protected. Why is it so difficult to call this a Russian strike?” the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.

In addition, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson noted that, in his assessment, UNESCO’s current leadership continues to demonstrate weakness, a lack of leadership, and an inability to fully fulfill its mandate to protect cultural sites.

As a reminder, on the night of June 15, 2026,a fire broke out at the Holy Dormition Cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra as a result of a missile and drone attack by Russian forces on the territory of Kyiv. Significant damage was recorded on the monastery grounds: the roof of the Cathedral of the Dormition caught fire. Cleanup efforts are ongoing at the site, with rescue workers, city services, and heavy equipment on the scene. At the same time, an emergency evacuation of sacred relics and liturgical items was organized.