The UNESCO Committee has decided to give several historical sites in Ukraine the "threatened" status. Learn more about how this will help preserve world heritage against the backdrop of russia's ongoing war against Ukraine

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A number of Ukrainian historical sites have been placed on UNESCO's list of heritage sites that are threatened by war. Experts compiling the list believe that these sites are in danger. We tell you what monuments we are talking about and what this status will give them.

What objects were included in the list of "threatened" and what does it mean?

According to the decision of the members of the UNESCO Committee, the list of World Heritage Sites in Danger includes:

• St. Sophia Cathedral in Kiev and related monastery buildings

St. Sophia Cathedral in Kiev, also known as St. Sophia of Kiev, is a historical and architectural monument of Ukraine. It was built in the 11th century during the reign of Kiev's Prince Yaroslav the Wise. Currently, this cathedral is part of the St. Sophia National Reserve.

St. Sophia Cathedral is an important symbol of the cultural heritage of Kiev and Ukraine, which epitomizes the rich history of this country.

• Kiev-Pechersk Lavra

Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, also known as Kiev Lavra, is one of the most famous monasteries and shrines in Ukraine and the Eastern Orthodox Church. Here are the highlights.

The monastery was founded in the 11th century by Saints Anthony and Theodosius and was one of the first Orthodox monasteries in russia. It was the center of religious and cultural life in Kievan Rus and remained an important place of prayer and education for centuries.

• The ensemble of the historical center of Lviv

The Ensemble of the Historical Center of Lviv is a unique architectural complex located in the historic city of Lviv.

The city, which is located in the western part of Ukraine, is one of the oldest and most culturally rich cities in Ukraine. Its history dates back more than 750 years, and for centuries the city has served as an important cultural and commercial center.

UNESCO believes that in addition to the risk of direct impact, the sites are vulnerable to shock waves caused by the bombing of other cities, the committee recognized.

Thus, putting the cultural monuments on the list will remind UN member states of their responsibility to contribute to the protection of these sites, the committee said.

Also, this step will facilitate financial and technical assistance to the states.

As MP Yevhen Kravchuk explained, after this decision, opportunities for additional technical assistance opened up for Ukraine to implement new emergency measures to protect Ukraine's unique heritage.

In addition, the country now receives additional legal arguments to gather evidence of russian aggression against Ukraine's cultural heritage.

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These are not the first Ukrainian sites with "at risk" status

In January, amid russian attacks, the historical center of Odessa was added to the same list. The application was submitted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

UNESCO recognized the heritage left by the city in cinema, literature and art.

After that, Odessa gained access to technical and financial international support - Ukraine can demand to ensure its protection or restoration.

As you know, there are 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites located on the territory of Ukraine, in particular the St. Sophia Cathedral in Kiev, the ancient Chersonesos and the ancient beech forests in the Carpathians. What other UNESCO World Heritage Sites can be seen in Ukraine and what they are famous for, we tell you here.

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