The occupiers destroyed the historic center of Odessa: there was a reaction from UNESCO

The international organization UNESCO reacted to the night rocket attack on the historic center of Odessa. The organization noted that this was “outrageous destruction” and reminded the occupier of its obligations under international law.

A corresponding statement was published in the UNESCO press center. In addition, the head of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulet, noted that the missile attack on the center of Odessa is “an escalation of violence against Ukraine's cultural heritage.” They called the attack “brazen.”

"UNESCO is deeply concerned and condemns in the strongest terms the brazen attack by Russian troops, which resulted in the destruction of several cultural objects in the center of Odessa, where the World Heritage Site "Historic Center of Odessa" is located, the statement reads.

In the appeal, the organizations indicated that they plan to send their mission to Odessa to assess the damage caused.

“This outrageous destruction means an escalation of violence against Ukraine's cultural heritage. I strongly condemn this attack on culture and call on the Russian Federation to take constructive measures to fulfill its obligations under international law, including the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and the 1972 World Heritage Convention.” – added the head of UNESCO.

Attack on the historic center of Odessa

The Russians once again launched a massive combined attack on Odessa and the region. On the night of July 23, the enemy launched a rocket attack on residential buildings, the Transfiguration Cathedral and the port infrastructure. Several rockets hit roads – large sinkholes formed in places – power lines were downed.

In addition to hitting residential buildings, the occupiers shelled the historic city center, as a result of which 25 architectural monuments were damaged or partially destroyed.

Among the destroyed monuments are m.in.

• House of Czyzhewych
• Papuda's house
• Zabludowski's house
• Gagarin's house
• Janush's house
• Zhdanova's house
• Russell del Turco House
• Holy Mass House
• Manuka Bey's Estate
• Kowalewski's house
• Porro house
• Maszewski House and others