UNESCO Mission Arrives in Odessa to Assess Cultural Heritage Damage

A UNESCO delegation led by Ms. Kiara Dezzi Bardeschi has arrived in Odessa.

The team is inspecting cultural heritage sites that were affected by the hostile attack on November 14.

According to Ivan Liptuga, Director of the Department of Culture of the Odessa City Council, 22 architectural monuments were damaged during the attack, with 19 located within the UNESCO heritage site.

«Next week, a special commission will convene to draft damage reports so that UNESCO can provide immediate emergency assistance», said Ivan Liptuga.

«UNESCO strongly condemns the violation of international law regarding attacks on cultural heritage. We are collaborating with local authorities and specialists to assess the situation and determine our next steps», Ms. Kiara Dezzi Bardeschi stated.