Russian attacks keep destroying Ukraine’s historic places

Russia’s Cultural Destruction: Over 1,700 Heritage Sites Targeted

Russia has struck more than 1,700 sites that hold history and culture. A missile set the 11th‑century Dormition Cathedral on fire—an essential part of UNESCO heritage and sacred to Russian Orthodox believers.

The Ukrainian church leader condemned the strike as a crime against humanity, history and Christianity.

These attacks are not random. They hit museums, churches, libraries, and other places that the 1954 Hague Convention mandates must be protected.

• Korolenko Kharkiv State Scientific Library – one of Europe’s largest libraries – was nearly obliterated by shelling.
• Cathedral of the Transfiguration, Odessa – a neoclassical landmark – suffered serious damage after a 2023 strike.
• Mariupol Drama Theater was destroyed early in the war, even though it served as a bomb shelter.
• Ukrainian historic districts were also almost leveled.

The damage goes beyond the physical loss; it erases memories and hampers future generations’ ability to learn about their past. Russian forces have caused more destruction than the Nazis, who mainly looted art.

Ukrainian people are working hard to protect what remains. They keep rebuilding and fighting back against the war’s damage. If the invasion continues to fail, there is a risk that Russia will try to destroy even more of Ukraine’s heritage.