UNESCO has voiced serious concerns following Russian drone strikes on March 24 that targeted the historic center of Lviv, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The organization has offered assistance to local authorities in assessing the damage and implementing protective measures.
According to a statement released on March 25, UNESCO highlighted that the strikes affected a building near the Bernardine Monastery, which is part of the architectural ensemble recognized for its cultural significance. The organization reminded all parties involved that cultural heritage is protected under the 1954 Hague Convention and the 1972 World Heritage Convention, urging them to refrain from actions that could harm cultural values.
On the day of the attack, local officials reported that 27 individuals sustained injuries, with seven remaining hospitalized as of March 25. The head of the Lviv Regional Military Administration, Maksym Kozytskyi, confirmed that the Bernardine Monastery, a national architectural landmark, suffered damage during the assault.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has called on UNESCO to take action in response to the attack and announced plans for a visit by UNESCO experts to Lviv to evaluate the impact of the drone strikes.
UNESCO has expressed alarm over the recent Russian drone strikes in Lviv, which damaged a UNESCO World Heritage site. The organization is prepared to assist local authorities in assessing the situation and ensuring the protection of cultural heritage.