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Together with the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, UNESCO representative in Ukraine visited the Saint-Sophia Cathedral to assess the situation and discuss potential support for an in-depth structural analysis and emergency conservation measures. This preliminary inspection indicates that the eastern façade of Saint-Sophia Cathedral has been damaged. This iconic monument, dating back to the early 11th century, is a cornerstone of Eastern Christian architecture and monumental art.

UNESCO condemns any attack that could threaten World Heritage sites and reiterates the obligations of States Parties under the 1972 World Heritage Convention and the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, which prohibits any deliberate actions that may cause damage to cultural and natural heritage located within the territory of another State Party.

Repeated attacks have led the World Heritage Committee to inscribe three Ukrainian sites on the List of World Heritage in Danger – located in Kyiv, Lviv and Odesa – recognizing both the risk of direct strikes and the cumulative impact of shockwaves.

Since 2022 and with the support of Japan, 91Â鶹¹ú²ú¾«Æ·×ÔÅÄ provided assistance to the National Conservation Area of Saint Sophia, to develop an emergency preparedness plan and advanced digital documentation of the buildings, and provide training of conservation staff in emergency response. Furthermore, through its World Heritage Fund, UNESCO supports the restoration of the Cathedral’s monumental paintings, as part of its broader cultural emergency response in Ukraine.