Kyiv’s Battle for Its Future: Widespread Destruction and Restoration Efforts in 2025 Amid Russian Shelling
Since the beginning of 2025, the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, has been witnessing widespread destruction resulting from Russian military attacks, causing significant losses to its architectural and historical heritage, residential buildings, and infrastructure. According to the Kyiv City State Administration, in the first half of 2025 alone, more than 570 buildings have been damaged or destroyed, doubling the figures from the same period last year and highlighting the intensification of enemy strikes. Overall, since the full-scale invasion, approximately 2,400 objects have suffered damage, including residential buildings — over 100 multi-family and nearly 150 private homes — as well as cultural and educational landmarks, including UNESCO-listed sites. Of particular concern are the destruction of unique monuments such as the House of Writers, M. Maksymovich Scientific Library, Hanimkov Museum, Shevchenko Museum, Kyiv Art Gallery, and the Natural History Museum. The legendary organ in the St. Nicholas Church was also damaged. Kyiv is striving to restore its cultural treasures by repairing damaged buildings and monuments, but the pace of recovery often lags behind ongoing attacks. Recently, enemy forces have targeted the city center, attempting to destroy what makes Kyiv distinctive and historically significant. Despite these challenges, the city continues its restoration efforts. Already, 25 residential buildings severely affected by hostilities have been restored, and ongoing repairs are underway on seven more multi-story structures. Overall, specialists have identified 72 residential buildings that suffered significant damage, 36 of which were affected in 2025, and all are receiving resources from the city budget for repairs. Architectural landmarks with minor damages are also being restored, as full restoration of more complex sites requires substantial financial and labor investments. Kyiv remains committed to rebuilding its destroyed infrastructure while preserving its historical heritage, recognizing that the road to recovery is long and tough, but the community and authorities are working diligently to safeguard and renew their city’s cultural and architectural identity.