The National Commission of Ukraine for UNESCO has condemned a significant missile and drone assault by Russia on Kyiv during the night of May 24. The Commission characterized the attack as a targeted act of terrorism aimed at the historical and cultural core of the Ukrainian capital.
In its statement, the Commission asserted that the Russian Federation is systematically waging war not only against the Ukrainian people but also against the nation’s cultural heritage and historical memory. The attack has resulted in substantial damage to various cultural and scientific institutions across Kyiv.
Among the affected sites are:
- National Art Museum of Ukraine
- Ukrainian House
- Taras Shevchenko Institute of Literature and its unique book depositories
- Kyiv Opera (Kyiv Municipal Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet)
- National Music Academy of Ukraine
- Institute of Public Administration and Civil Service at Taras Shevchenko National University
- National Philharmonic of Ukraine
- Yaroslav the Wise National Library
- Small Opera in Kyiv
The Commission described the strike on the National Museum of Chernobyl as a blatant act of barbarism that crosses the bounds of human morality. This attack destroyed invaluable historical evidence and artifacts related to the largest technological disaster of the 20th century, occurring just a month after the museum had been modernized in preparation for the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster.
Currently, it is reported that Russia has either destroyed or damaged 1,783 cultural heritage sites and 2,540 cultural infrastructure facilities throughout Ukraine. The Commission emphasized that these losses are not incidental but rather part of a deliberate, systematic state policy by Russia that exhibits characteristics of cultural genocide against the Ukrainian people.
In response to the attack, the Commission has called on the Director-General of UNESCO, its relevant bodies, and member states to immediately employ all available international tools and strict mechanisms to compel Russia to cease its acts of terror.
The Commission’s statement included a strong assertion that a state which destroys world heritage has no right to participate in civilized international institutions. It further noted that historical precedents indicate that the policy of appeasing aggressors only encourages further crimes, including those against culture.
Specifically, the Commission urged UNESCO to:
- Provide a public and principled assessment of the Russian attack on Kyiv on May 24 and its implications for Ukraine’s cultural, educational, and scientific sectors.
- Facilitate the documentation and recording of damage to cultural and educational sites.
- Strengthen international mechanisms for the protection of Ukrainian cultural heritage and support for affected institutions.
- Consider enhancing accountability for Russia regarding the systematic destruction of Ukraine’s cultural heritage, which may constitute war crimes.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the attack on Kyiv on May 24 resulted in the destruction of approximately 40% of the exhibition items at the National Museum of Chernobyl located in the Podil district.
During the night of May 24, Ukraine faced a large-scale assault from Russia. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russian forces launched 600 drones of various types and 90 missiles from air, sea, and ground bases, with Kyiv being the primary target.
As a result of the attack, two fatalities were reported in Kyiv, with an additional 81 individuals injured. Damage was recorded at over 40 locations across the Shevchenkivskyi, Darnytskyi, Desnianskyi, Obolonskyi, and Holosiivskyi districts.
The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed responsibility for the large-scale drone and missile strikes, including ballistic missiles, alleging that the targets were military command facilities, air bases, and enterprises within Ukraine’s defense industry.
The National Commission of Ukraine for UNESCO has condemned a recent Russian attack on Kyiv, which targeted cultural institutions and resulted in significant damage. The Commission highlighted the ongoing threat to Ukrainian cultural heritage and called for international action to address these assaults.