The historic center of Odesa, which is under UNESCO protection, was hit by russian missiles, damaging 25 architectural monuments. Learn more about the world significance and uniqueness of this place, as well as Ukraine's response to the russian missile attack

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russia's missile attacks on peaceful cities have not stopped since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, but they have become particularly intense, particularly in southern Ukraine, after the attack on the Crimean bridge. According to National Security and Defense Council Secretary Oleksiy Danilov, russia is trying to isolate the country from access to the Black Sea and increase its importance on the international agricultural market.

However, the russian attacks have affected not only the port infrastructure and hundreds of tons of grain, but also civilians and civilian objects. On the night of July 23, russia cynically and insidiously shelled the historic center of Odesa, destroying 25 architectural monuments of global significance and protected by UNESCO. 

Photo: Associated Press

What is the uniqueness of this architectural ensemble, why the russian attack on the Transfiguration Cathedral is particularly cynical, and what response Ukraine has promised to give to the russian missile attack - read more in our article.

The attack on the Transfiguration Cathedral is the second act of terrorism against the Odesa shrine by the russian federation

The Transfiguration Cathedral is the largest Orthodox church in Odesa, the construction of which first began 228 years ago. According to the diocese of the UOC, the first stone of the cathedral was laid in 1795, and actual construction began in 1803. 

Photo: Dumskaya

However, the missile attack on the night of July 23 is not the first crime of russia against the Odesa shrine. Almost 90 years ago, in 1936, the russian bolsheviks blew up the cathedral and bell tower, having previously closed the shrine and looted it. The cathedral was rebuilt on the same site, using the original foundation of the church, which was found during excavations, but this happened after the declaration of Ukraine's independence. Namely, in 2000-2005, as part of the "Program for the Restoration of Outstanding Lost Monuments of History and Culture of Ukraine."

Photo: Oleh Kiper

It is worth noting that in 2010, the russian rector of the Orthodox Church, Kirill Gundyaev, the same Patriarch Kirill who in 2022 blessed the russian invasion of Ukraine, consecrated the upper church of the Transfiguration Cathedral. So the level of cynicism in russia is hard to imagine.

Photo: news.church.ua

At the same time, the entire historical center of Odesa, along with the Orthodox shrine, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, but the world heard only "strong condemnation" from the organization's representatives.

What other objects were destroyed by the russian missile attack on the historic center of Odesa?

In addition to the Odesa shrine, the Palace of Count Tolstoy or the House of Scientists, an architectural monument with incredible halls and luxurious decoration, was heavily damaged. In particular, almost all of the ancient stained glass windows were destroyed, the outer facade of the building and furniture that remembered the owner of the building, Tolstoy, were damaged. This building survived an air raid during World War II but was destroyed by the russian occupiers.

Photo: USI

The shelling also damaged apartment buildings and dozens of cars. In many buildings, not only were windows smashed, but facades and roofs were destroyed.

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Ukraine promised to respond to the attack on the historic center of Odesa: what is known about the explosions in moscow

Volodymyr Zelenskyy promised that russia would definitely feel the consequences for the act of terrorism in Odesa.

"Missiles against peaceful cities, against residential buildings, a cathedral... There can be no excuse for russian evil. As always, this evil will lose. And there will definitely be a response to russian terrorists for Odesa. They will feel this response. All those who suffered from this latest terrorist attack are being provided with assistance," the President said.

It is known that on July 26, a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council will be held, which was convened at the request of Ukraine. During the meeting, they will discuss russian attacks on port infrastructure and solutions that can be taken to transport Ukrainian grain.

It is also worth noting that on the morning of July 24, russia claimed that two non-residential buildings were attacked by two drones. According to preliminary information, the drones hit a business center on Likhachev Avenue and the building of the russian Defense Ministry. The Ukrainian side did not comment on the incident.

At the same time, there is evidence circulating online that several secret GRU facilities are located 200 meters from the found drone wreckage, including the cyber troops' headquarters and the leadership of a special program that sends russian agents abroad. Therefore, regardless of who is behind the launch of the attack drones, any symbolic destruction is a significant blow to the russian Defense Ministry and the GRU. After all, their "top secret facilities" are, firstly, in the field of view of the whole world, and secondly, not protected from attacks at all.

Despite the terrible missile attacks of the russian federation, Ukraine continues to hold on, defend its own territories, and take confident steps towards the liberation of the occupied regions! We believe in the victory of the Armed Forces of Ukraine!

We remind you that Visit Ukraine continues to help animals affected by the war. Thousands of small furry animals that were rescued from the frontline and flooded areas are now safe. We told you what the furry animals need today, how we can help them and how much money we managed to raise thanks to your support in our previous article.

Main photo: Telegram of Volodymyr Zelenskyy

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