With an area of approximately 603,000 square kilometers and a population of more than 41 million inhabitants, Ukraine ranks as the fifth largest country in Europe.
Therefore, it is no surprise that with the Russian invasion that began on February 23, monuments considered to be part of humanity's heritage are at risk of being destroyed.
The World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) comprises outstanding natural and cultural sites. In the case of Ukraine, since 1990, eight sites have been added to the list. These include religious sites, residences, and forests.
Here is a list of eight cultural heritage sites in Ukraine, protected by UNESCO, that are in danger of being destroyed by the Russians:
St. George's Cathedral
A little further into Lviv's city center stands St. George's Cathedral. Built between 1744 and 1760, it once served as the center of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. Designed by architect Bernhard Meretyn, it blended Eastern and Western European architectural styles. This is not the first time the structure has been threatened by Russian actions. During World War II, Soviet authorities persecuted members of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, even arresting the archbishop assigned to the cathedral in 1945.
Kyiv Pechersk Lavra (Monastery of the Caves)
Unlike the previous structure, the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra (Monastery of the Caves) is an Orthodox Christian monastery. This structure is the oldest monastery in Ukraine. It was founded in 1051 by the monks Anthony and Theodosius. After its opening in the 11th century, it became the center of Christianity for Ukrainians.
Struve Geodesic Arch
Contrary to previous mentions, the Struve Geodetic Arc is on the list due to its scientific and cultural contribution. Thanks to the Arc, the correct shape and size of the Earth were established. Furthermore, the monument helped to verify Isaac Newton's theory that the Earth is a three-dimensional oval. It comprises 258 stations forming a chain approximately 2,800 meters long. In this way, it stretches across 10 countries, from the Barents Sea coast in Norway to the Black Sea coast in Ukraine.
Ancient beech forests in the Carpathians
The primeval forests in the Carpathians, in Ukraine, cover a vast amount of European territory, as they are located from the Rakhiv Mountains and the Chornohora Range to the Vihorlat Mountains in Slovakia.
Chernivtsi University
Surprisingly, a Ukrainian university campus was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2011. The beautiful structure was originally built between 1864 and 1882 for the Eastern Metropolitan Bishop. However, what now resembles a castle—a must-see for many tourists visiting Ukraine—is part of a university research center.
Wooden Tserkvas in the Carpathian region
These wooden buildings comprise a group of 16 Eastern Orthodox and Catholic churches, located not only in Ukraine but also in Poland. Half are situated in Ukraine and the other half in Poland. They are the best-preserved wooden churches in the Carpathian region. Thanks to constant repairs using authentic tools from the time of their construction, the wooden Tserkvas have maintained their original style. Like Chernivtsi University, they were inscribed on the list of cultural heritage sites in 2011.
Chersonese
Last but not least is the oldest place on the list: Chersonese. Founded by the Greek civilization in 422-421 BC, Chersonese was an important cultural, political, and commercial center for ancient societies.
Source: El Vocero, Puerto Rico
