Ukraine asks UNESCO to create mechanism to protect architectural integrity of Kyiv historical center

The Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications has requested UNESCO to create a mechanism for preserving and protecting the architectural integrity of Kyiv's historic center following a drone attack on January 1.

The decision was made after the building of the National Writers' Union was damaged during a Russian drone attack on Kyiv.

"The Russians have targeted our identity, attempting to destroy it and our cultural heritage by all means possible. However, their efforts are futile. They can destroy a building, but they cannot kill the Ukrainian word," the Ministry of Culture stated in its appeal.

The drone attack partially damaged the Writers' Union mansion: the roof was destroyed, walls were cracked, and 83 windows were shattered. The extent of the damage has not yet been fully assessed.

The Writers' Union mansion, known as the Lieberman Mansion, is a Renaissance-style building constructed in 1879 by Kyiv architect Volodymyr Nikolayev on commission from the Governor-General of St. Petersburg, Fyodor Trepov. One of the building's owners was millionaire sugar manufacturer Simcha Lieberman, who expanded the structure.

In 1989, the building became the headquarters of the People's Movement of Ukraine for Reconstruction, and later housed the Writers' Union. In 2010, the building was granted the status of a local architectural monument.