The „Saint Sophia“ Cathedral in the historic center of Kiev - one of the most significant cultural monuments of Ukraine and a UNESCO world heritage site - was damaged in a nighttime Russian attack. This was announced by Ukrainian Culture Minister Mykola Tochytsky, quoted by „Reuters“, reports News.bg.
„Last night the enemy struck again at the very heart of our identity“, Tochytsky wrote on Facebook, defining the 11th-century cathedral as „the soul of all Ukraine“.
„Saint Sophia“ Cathedral - a centuries-old shrine and a symbol of our statehood - was damaged“, he also pointed out.
According to him, a blast wave damaged the cornice of the main apse. Pieces of white plaster broke off and fell to the ground, leaving a visible gap in part of the decorative element.
According to Vadim Kirilenko, the first deputy general director of the complex, this is the first case of damage to the cathedral since the beginning of the war. He notes that Russian drones flying low above the ground pose a constant danger during the continuous air attacks over the capital.
“As our guards say, sometimes the drones almost touch the crosses on the bell tower, which is 76 meters above the ground“, Kirilenko added.
The cathedral has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1990 for its unique architecture. The organization describes it as a symbol of the region's "new Constantinople" - a white cathedral and monastery complex with green roofs and golden domes.
Although the damage is not critical, the site will be inspected by a specialized institute and restored, Kirilenko assured.
More than a year after the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022, UNESCO included "Hagia Sophia" on the list of endangered world heritage sites. According to the organization, the complex is vulnerable to both air strikes and the destructive effects of shock waves that threaten its authentic interior, mosaics and frescoes.
"This temple is not protected only by Ukraine, but by the whole world. It is a heritage of humanity," Kirilenko stressed.