Historic Ukrainian Cathedral Badly Damaged in Russian Strikes
Kharkiv, Ukraine – A historic Ukrainian cathedral was badly damaged in Russian strikes on Wednesday. The Assumption Cathedral in Kharkiv, which was built in the 17th century, was hit by a missile that caused a fire. The cathedral is one of the most important religious buildings in Ukraine, and its destruction is a major blow to the country’s cultural heritage.
The cathedral was hit by a missile at around 10:00 AM local time. The missile struck the cathedral’s bell tower, causing a fire that spread to the main building. The fire was extinguished by firefighters, but the cathedral sustained significant damage.
The interior of the cathedral was badly damaged by the fire. The iconostasis, a screen that separates the nave from the sanctuary, was destroyed. The altar was also damaged, and many of the icons and other religious artifacts were lost.
The exterior of the cathedral was also damaged by the fire. The bell tower was destroyed, and the walls of the main building were damaged.
The Assumption Cathedral is one of the most important religious buildings in Ukraine. It was built in the 17th century, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cathedral is a symbol of Ukrainian culture and history, and its destruction is a major blow to the country.
The attack on the Assumption Cathedral is the latest in a series of attacks on cultural heritage sites in Ukraine. In recent weeks, Russian forces have also attacked the Mariupol Drama Theater, the Kharkiv Philharmonic Hall, and the Mykolaiv Art Museum.
These attacks on cultural heritage sites are a war crime. They are deliberate attacks on civilian objects that are protected under international law. The destruction of these sites is a loss not only for Ukraine, but for the entire world.
What happens next?
It is unclear what will happen next to the Assumption Cathedral. It is possible that the cathedral will be rebuilt, but it is also possible that it will be left in ruins. The future of the cathedral will depend on the outcome of the war in Ukraine.
In the meantime, the destruction of the Assumption Cathedral is a reminder of the senseless violence that is taking place in Ukraine. It is a reminder that cultural heritage is not immune to war, and that it is important to protect these sites from destruction.