Ukrainian Parliament Committee Discusses Management of “Saint Sophia of Kyiv” and “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra” Reserves

The Verkhovna Rada Committee on Humanitarian and Information Policy held a session focused on governance and staffing issues at the national reserves “Saint Sophia of Kyiv” and “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.” Participants included Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications Mykola Tochytskyi, Deputy Minister Serhiy Belyaev, Director General of “Saint Sophia” Nelya Kukovalska, Acting Director of “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra” Svitlana Kotliarevska, and former director of the Lavra, Maksym Ostapenko. This was reported by the publication Holos Ukrainy.

Deputy Minister Belyaev presented photographic evidence which, according to him, indicated negligence by the previous management. He cited building deterioration, lack of conservation work, and unspent budget funds as signs of financial inefficiency.

In response, Maksym Ostapenko showcased completed projects and explained that delays in funding had hindered timely implementation of planned tasks.

Acting Director Kotliarevska outlined urgent priorities: inventory of assets, repairs, addressing staff shortages, and engaging independent experts. She also announced plans to present an updated development strategy.

Committee members noted that both the former and current leadership proposed similar development concepts. Some suggested that the core challenges may stem more from personal perceptions than from the substance of the plans.

Minister Tochytskyi confirmed that the personnel decisions were based on a working group’s report and made in accordance with the law.

Nelya Kukovalska, head of the “Saint Sophia” reserve, reported on restoration efforts, educational and cultural initiatives, and international cooperation. She expressed concern over rumors of her possible dismissal and stated her intention to remain in office until the end of martial law. She also mentioned preparing successors to ensure continuity.

The minister also addressed a citizen complaint regarding a music-accompanied event held on the grounds of “Saint Sophia,” which allegedly interfered with religious practices. He stated that the leadership was temporarily suspended pending investigation, but no major changes are currently planned.

It is also worth noting that the monastic community of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra filed a collective complaint with the State Bureau of Investigation against Minister Tochytskyi, accusing him of inciting religious hostility toward the monastery’s residents.