MFA accuses UNESCO of weakness over statement on Lavra

Aftermath of the strike on the Lavra's Dormition Cathedral. Photo: Zelensky's Telegram channel

On June 15, 2026, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Heorhiy Tykhyi, criticized UNESCO for failing to mention in its official statement that it was the Russian Federation that struck the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.

The ministry's representative considered the international body's position to be a display of professional incompetence. "Absurd. An organization tasked with protecting cultural heritage cannot even name who it is protecting it from," Tykhyi stressed.

The diplomat expressed bewilderment over the fact that UNESCO's official representatives avoid direct wording in their assessment of what happened. "Why is it so hard to simply say: 'Russian strike'?" the MFA spokesperson asked. In his opinion, the organization's current leadership "demonstrates a lack of leadership, weakness, and an inability to fulfill its mandate."

In its official communiqué, UNESCO did indeed condemn the strike on the Lavra's territory, noting that it occurred "in the context of the escalation of the war in Ukraine following the Russian Federation's invasion." However, in the condemnation itself, the organization referred to the incident as a "recorded strike" that damaged a World Heritage site.

As a result of the shelling, which occurred on the morning of June 15, a fire broke out on the monastery grounds. According to UNESCO experts, the exterior and interior of the Dormition Cathedral sustained significant damage.

As the UOJ reported, due to the RF's attack on the Lavra, the tower of Venerable John the Hut-Dweller was damaged.

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