A Russian attack has caused damage to Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a significant Ukrainian monument, according to Ukraine's culture minister. The overnight attack was described as striking "at the very heart of our identity again." The minister referred to the 11th-century cathedral as "the soul of all Ukraine" and a shrine that "survived for centuries."
The blast wave from the attack damaged the cornice on the main apse of the landmark. Video footage from the scene showed pieces of white plaster scattered on the ground. This marks the first time the cathedral has been damaged since the war began.
Despite the damage, the site's first deputy director general reported no critical harm. However, the nearly 1000-year-old site will undergo inspection and repair by a specialized institute. The ongoing threat from Russian drones flying near the ground remains a concern, with reports of them coming close to the crosses on the bell tower.
The cathedral was added to UNESCO's World Heritage list in 1990, recognized for its architectural significance. The United Nations' heritage body describes the cathedral and monastery complex as a symbol of the "new Constantinople" created in the region.
Following Russia's full-scale invasion, the Saint Sophia Cathedral was placed on the list of World Heritage in Danger due to the threat posed by the Russian offensive. The site's vulnerability to shock waves was also noted. The deputy director emphasized that the cathedral is protected not only by Ukraine but by the entire world, representing the heritage of all.
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