This audio is created with AI assistance
Russian forces have damaged 1,189 cultural sites in Ukraine since Feb. 24.
Every third site, 446, is ruined, Ukraine’s Culture Ministry said.
The highest number of destroyed or damaged sites have been recorded in Donetsk, Kyiv, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Mykolaiv, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, and Kherson oblasts.
The real number of damaged cultural sites due to Russia’s war is expected to be higher, as the current count does not include Russian-occupied territories or where hostilities are ongoing, the ministry said.
In addition, UNESCO has verified damage to 231 sites as of Dec. 23, including 102 religious sites, 18 museums, 81 buildings of historical and/or artistic significance, 19 monuments, and 11 libraries.
Three years of reporting, funded by our readers.
Millions read the Kyiv Independent, but only one in 10,000 readers makes a financial contribution. Thanks to our community we've been able to keep our reporting free and accessible to everyone. For our third birthday, we're looking for 1,000 new members to help fund our mission and to help us prepare for what 2025 might bring.
Three years. Millions of readers. All thanks to 12,000 supporters.
It’s thanks to readers like you that we can celebrate another birthday this November. We’re looking for another 1,000 members to help fund our mission, keep our journalism accessible for all, and prepare for whatever 2025 might bring. Consider gifting a membership today or help us spread the word.
(Updated: )
