Russian attacks keep destroying Ukraine’s historic places

Russia has struck more than 1, 700 sites that hold history and culture. A missile set the 11th‑century Dormition Cathedral on fire, a place that is part of UNESCO heritage and important to Russian Orthodox people. The Ukrainian church leader called the strike 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 says must be protected. The Korolenko Kharkiv State Scientific Library, one of Europe’s biggest libraries, was almost wiped out by shelling. The neoclassical Cathedral of the Transfiguration in Odessa suffered serious damage after a 2023 strike.The Mariupol Drama Theater was destroyed early in the war, even though it was being used as a bomb shelter. Ukrainian historic districts were also almost leveled. The damage goes beyond the physical loss. It erases memories and makes it harder for future generations to learn about their past. The Russian forces have caused more destruction than the Nazis, who mainly looted art. Ukrainian people are now 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.