The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed discontent with UNESCO’s reaction to the recent attack on the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Officials noted that the organization failed to specify the aggressor in its statement regarding the incident.
“It’s absurd. An organization tasked with protecting cultural heritage doesn’t even know whom it is protecting it from. Why is it so difficult to simply state ‘Russian strike’? Unfortunately, under Khaled El-Enany’s leadership, UNESCO continues to show a lack of leadership, weakness, and an inability to fulfill its mandate,” stated a ministry spokesperson.
On the night of June 15, Russian forces launched a significant combined assault on Kyiv, targeting the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. The attack resulted in a fire at the Assumption Cathedral.
Subsequent investigations by the Security Service of Ukraine revealed that Russian troops intentionally struck the area housing both the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and the Mystetskyi Arsenal, utilizing Shahed-136 drones for the assault.
In addition to the damage to the monastery, residential buildings, cultural heritage sites, and civilian infrastructure were also affected. Recent reports indicate that 34 individuals were injured, while five lost their lives in the capital due to the strikes.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has criticized UNESCO for its inadequate response to the attack on the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, highlighting the organization's failure to identify the aggressor. The June 15 assault by Russian forces resulted in significant damage and casualties in Kyiv.