Archive · 11 Jun 2025
Kyiv's Saint Sophia Cathedral Damaged in Russian Attack
The Saint Sophia Cathedral, a very important church in Kyiv, Ukraine, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, was damaged by a Russian attack.
This is the first time the cathedral has been damaged since the start of the war.
The attack caused damage to the cathedral's facade.
It's considered part of Ukraine's identity and protected by the world.
The site will be inspected and repaired to preserve it.
Russian attack damaged the historic Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv.
President Zelenskiy denounced the attack as unacceptable and catastrophic.
A blast wave damaged the cornice on the main apse of the cathedral.
The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and on the 'in danger' list.
The site will be inspected and repaired following the attack.
- Who
- Russian forces, Saint Sophia Cathedral, UNESCO, and Ukraine officials.
- What
- Russian attack damaged Saint Sophia Cathedral.
- When
- Overnight; following the full-scale invasion in February 2022.
- Where
- Kyiv, Ukraine.
- Why
- The Russian offensive threatens Ukrainian monuments and cultural heritage.
- Building Name
- Saint Sophia Cathedral
- Location
- Kyiv, Ukraine
- Damage Description
- Blast wave damaged cornice on the main apse
- Heritage Status
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Year added to UNESCO
- 1990
- Threat Level
- World Heritage in Danger
