UNESCO has condemned an attack that damaged historic buildings in the Ukrainian port city of Odesa. The strike on 9 August affected six cultural heritage buildings inside the city's protected old centre. The area is a World Heritage site, and it was also placed on the List in Danger in 2023. Among the damaged structures were several historic apartment buildings and houses from the city's past.
The organisation says attacks on cultural property deprive communities of places that are essential for recovery and shared life. It also condemned attacks on schools and media workers, which are protected under international law. UNESCO's Director-General is visiting Ukraine this week to confirm the agency's support for the country. The agency will continue to record damage to heritage sites during the war.