Tonight, Russian occupiers once again launched attacks on Ukraine, causing devastating damage to cultural and infrastructural objects in the capital and Odessa
According to official information, the source of the strikes was a barrage of explosive waves that resulted in significant destruction, including historic sites of global importance and strategic cultural heritage objects. The most extensive hit was sustained by Saint Sophia’s Cathedral in Kyiv, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications Mykola Toчytskyi, on this night, the enemy deliberately targeted this symbolic sanctuary, which is one of the main emblems of Ukrainian identity. The explosive wave damaged the cathedral’s façade, particularly the cornice on the main apse, raising concerns among experts. Toчytskyi noted that this church is a mystical and historic monument that has survived destructive wars, revolutions, times of forgetfulness, and remains a spiritual symbol of our independence. The minister emphasizes: “This 11th-century church is the soul of Ukraine, and its destruction is not only a blow to cultural heritage but also to our national self-determination.” Following the tragedy, reserve specialists and an investigative team from the Shevchenkivskyi police department promptly conducted an initial visual inspection of the protected area. According to their information, fortunately, the interior of the cathedral remained largely undamaged; however, due to the high level of vibrational stress caused by the explosions, there is a serious risk of structural collapse, already under heightened threat due to regular missile attacks and Ukrainian capital strikes by Russia. In Odessa region, in particular in Odessa itself, the night attack by Russian forces inflicted significant damage on one of Europe’s oldest film studios – the Odessa Film Studio. Sadly, a second strike destroyed the decorations for the national film “Dovzhenko,” dedicated to the 125th anniversary of the birth of the renowned Ukrainian director and filmmaker Oleksander Dovzhenko. As the press service of the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy (Мінкульт) of Ukraine reports, the fire caused by the explosions was quickly put out thanks to prompt action by security and staff. Most of the unique artifacts stored at the studio were saved, preventing even greater destruction. However, the blow was not limited to cultural infrastructure alone but also affected the city’s overall safety. Residential buildings, medical facilities, and other civilian infrastructure were damaged. Preliminary reports indicate that one studio employee lost their home due to injuries sustained from the enemy shelling. Rescue services note that, fortunately, there are no casualties among workers and residents; nevertheless, the grim reality continues to remind everyone of the high level of danger Ukrainian civilians face during these extraordinarily difficult times. These events once again confirm the scale of destructive consequences caused by Russia’s aggression on Ukrainian culture, history, and daily life. It is clear that with each new night, hostilities and enemy attacks increasingly target the very heart of Ukrainian statehood; this is reflected not only in official statements but also in the extensive destruction that frightens and deeply pains all Ukrainians. The government and specialists call on society not only to restore what has been destroyed but also to preserve memory and unity in the face of new challenges. After all, safeguarding spiritual and cultural values remains an unbreakable foundation of our independence and future.