Zelensky orders government to prepare law protecting Ukraine's cultural monuments
"Today, I signed a decree on measures at the state level to protect Ukraine's national shrines," Zelensky said on the 975th anniversary of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. The monastery was badly damaged during a Russian strike in June.
On August 15, President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a decree directing the Cabinet of Ministers to draft legislation safeguarding Ukraine's cultural monuments. The order marked the 975th anniversary of Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a cornerstone of Ukrainian history and religion. Lavra suffered significant damage from a Russian missile strike in June.
At a ceremony held at the monastery complex, Zelensky emphasized the significance of national shrines, stating that they connect people to something enduring beyond personal experiences. The president signed the decree the same day, with the goal of having the law ready for Independence Day on August 24. The bill aims to preserve the unique and irreplaceable values of Ukrainian culture within the global heritage.
The legislation would define what constitutes a national shrine, encompassing sites that hold historical, spiritual, cultural, and political importance for Ukraine. It would also outline measures to protect these sites from Russian aggression, a growing threat in the ongoing conflict. Additionally, the Foreign Ministry is tasked with informing the international community about Russian attacks on Ukraine's cultural heritage and collaborating with allies to hold Moscow accountable.
Zelensky, accompanied by UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany, discussed the inclusion of key Ukrainian landmarks in the UNESCO World Heritage list. The president underscored the importance of preserving cultural heritage in the face of Russian attacks and ensuring its transmission to future generations. Zelensky's decree follows a draft law submitted in June, proposing the establishment of a National Pantheon to honor Ukrainian heroes.
The recent onslaught of Russian strikes, particularly the May 24 assault on Kyiv and the June attack on the Lavra, have inflicted considerable damage to Ukrainian cultural landmarks, with over 40% of items in the Chornobyl Museum's collection rendered irretrievably lost.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Independent's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
