September, Friday 20, 2024

Kyiv and Lviv's Historical Ukrainian Sites Now Listed as Endangered by the UN


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The ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia is posing a threat to major historical sites in two Ukrainian cities, according to Unesco, the United Nations' heritage body. The iconic Saint Sophia Cathedral in the capital city Kiev, as well as the medieval buildings of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery site, are at risk of destruction. Unesco has also added the historic centre in Lviv to its List of World Heritage in Danger. Unesco's World Heritage Committee has determined that the current conditions are not sufficient to protect the historical sites from potential danger caused by the war. They also highlighted the vulnerability of these sites to the shockwaves generated by bombings in the cities. By including these sites on the list, Unesco aims to remind member states of their responsibility to protect them and to facilitate financial and technical aid. While there have been no strikes on the Saint Sophia Cathedral, Russia's assurance to prevent damage is disputed by Ukraine. This announcement comes after the addition of the Ukrainian port city of Odesa to the danger list in January. Odesa has been heavily bombarded by Russia, following the collapse of an agreement allowing Ukraine to export grain through the Black Sea. Unesco has previously condemned Russia's bombing actions in Ukraine. The heritage body added that the city of Lviv, founded in the Middle Ages, has significant architectural and cultural heritage and was added to the World Heritage List in 1998. The Saint Sophia Cathedral, built in the 11th century, was designed to rival the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople (present-day Istanbul). Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, also known as Kyiv's Monastery of the Caves, is the oldest monastic complex of the Rus people and served as a spiritual and cultural center during the Middle Ages. Currently, Unesco's danger list consists of over 50 properties, including the Old City of Jerusalem, Vienna's historic center, and the tropical rainforest on the Indonesian island of Sumatra.