Ukraine to appoint first UNESCO ambassador in response to cultural site attacks
Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine's Foreign Minister (Getty Images)
Ukraine will appoint its first-ever ambassador to UNESCO. The decision comes in response to Russian attacks on cultural heritage sites, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs press service.
The ministry noted that Sybiha announced the creation of the position of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to UNESCO during a meeting with Ukrainian ambassadors.
"One of the Russian aggressor's goals is Ukrainian cultural heritage. We must protect and restore it. Ukraine must be represented in UNESCO's governing bodies," the minister emphasized.
He also thanked UNESCO for its support of Ukraine and its assistance in restoring damaged cultural heritage.
Russian strikes on UNESCO sites
Russia has repeatedly targeted UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ukraine.
In particular, Russian attacks in Odesa damaged the Potocki Palace and the Boffo House. According to Ukraine's Security Service (SBU), the strikes were ordered by Russian Admiral Viktor Sokolov, commander of the Russian Navy's Black Sea Fleet.
UNESCO has condemned these attacks by Russian forces, stressing that they must be halted immediately.
In another incident, an airstrike on Kyiv damaged the cornice of the main apse of Saint Sophia Cathedral.
