Russia destroys Ukraine's cultural and historical heritage - UK intelligence

Russia bombs Ukraine's cultural and historical heritage (Getty Images)

Russia's bombing of cities with long-range airstrikes and glide bombs has had a devastating impact on Ukraine's cultural, historical, and religious heritage, citing the UK Ministry of Defense.

As highlighted in the briefing, May 14, 2024, marked the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the UNESCO Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict.

In mid-February 2024, UNESCO estimated that Russia had caused $3.5 billion in damage to Ukraine's cultural heritage, with restoration expected to take 10 years and cost $9 billion.

Additionally, Ukraine's Ministry of Culture and Information Policy reports that as of May 2, 2024, since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, 1987 cultural institutions have been damaged.

According to the ministry, as of May 6, 2024, 1062 cultural heritage sites have been destroyed or damaged since the Russian invasion began, with UNESCO separately confirming damage to 129 religious sites as of April 10, 2024.

Putin's objectives

In March 2022, a majority (56%) of Ukrainian citizens believed that the main goal of Russia's invasion was the complete annihilation of the Ukrainian people.

Furthermore, in May 2024, a majority (74%) of Ukrainians believe that missile strikes on energy facilities are a long-term strategy by Russia aimed at destroying Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

"As the war continues, Russia's military apparatus will likely continue to cause damages to Ukraine's historical and cultural heritage," wrote the UK Ministry of Defense.