Russian strike hits UNESCO World Heritage Site Saint Sophia of Kyiv
Photo: Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv was damaged in a Russian attack (Getty Images)
The National Preserve Saint Sophia of Kyiv was damaged as a result of the Russian attack on Kyiv, Nelia Kukovalska, director general of the National Preserve Saint Sophia of Kyiv, told RBC.UA in an exclusive comment.
What was damaged at Saint Sophia of Kyiv
According to Kukovalska, the blast wave damaged the consistory, a historic 18th-19th century building facing Volodymyrska Street.
"Thank God, no one was injured. The blast wave from the strike on the building of the Security Service of Ukraine blew out many windows in our consistory. This is an 18th-19th century building facing Volodymyrska Street, Volodymyrska 24. The glass vestibule was completely shattered inside," she said.
At the same time, the preserve's director stressed that the damage is not considered critical at this point.
The broken windows and frames will need to be restored in the near future.
"They are not critical. We will need to find some money somewhere, replace the frames and windows; winter is coming. I think that now, after the police arrive and inspect the site, we will start covering them up. We have something to cover them with for now, but we will have to think about where to get the money," Kukovalska said.
President was expected at the preserve
Kukovalska also told reporters that an event attended by the president of Ukraine was scheduled to take place at the preserve that day. It was to include the presentation of credentials by ambassadors from four countries.
The preserve had been preparing for the head of state's arrival because of the planned event. However, it was canceled following the attack.
"We were preparing for his arrival. Yesterday, the ambassadors of four countries were here, and we gave them a tour," the director said.
According to her, presenting credentials at the preserve has become a tradition during the full-scale war.
Before the ceremony, diplomats are introduced to the history of Ukraine and the landmarks of the complex.
At the same time, only a minimal number of people were at the preserve on the day of the attack. Employees were sent home, so no one was injured as a result of the damage.
UNESCO has already been informed about the damage
UNESCO has already been informed about the aftermath of the attack.
"UNESCO already knows everything; we have reported everything. They are now considering support," Kukovalska said.
She recalled that the site is under UNESCO's special attention. This year, its status was reaffirmed during a session of the World Heritage Committee.
Was Saint Sophia Cathedral damaged?
According to a preliminary visual assessment, Saint Sophia Cathedral itself did not sustain any visible damage.
However, final conclusions will be made after a detailed inspection.
"Thank God, no people were injured, and Saint Sophia was not damaged. But starting tomorrow, we will conduct a very detailed inspection. Nothing is visible so far. Perhaps there are some small cracks, but I don't want to speculate. I think everything will be fine there, thank God," Kukovalska said.
The preserve's director added emotionally that every Russian attack on the capital's center causes particular concern because of the threat to the historic landmark.
"You can't imagine it; every attack weighs heavily on my heart. Sorry for the emotions, but that's how it is now," she said.
