The Saint Sophia of Kyiv National Reserve sustained damage as a result of a Russian attack on the capital. This was stated in an exclusive comment to Wave RBC.UA by Nelia Kukovalska, the reserve's general director. According to her, the shockwave from the strike on the building of the Security Service of Ukraine blew out numerous windows in the historic consistory — an 18th–19th-century building facing Volodymyrska Street (24 Volodymyrska Street).
What was damaged in the reserve
As Kukovalska clarified, the glass vestibule was completely shattered — it “shattered entirely inside.” At the same time, the reserve's director emphasized that the damage is not yet considered critical: in the near term, funds need to be found to replace the frames and windows, as winter is approaching. “Right now, upon arrival, the police inspection, we are starting to board them up. We have something to board them up with for now, but we will think about where to get the money,” she noted.
No casualties: how the evacuation went
On the day of the attack, the minimum number of people were on the reserve's territory — staff had been sent home, so no one was injured as a result of the damage. Kukovalska noted with gratitude: “Thank God, no people were hurt and Saint Sophia was not damaged.” At the same time, she acknowledged that every shelling of the capital's center causes her particular concern due to the threat to the historic monument: “You can't imagine, every strike — it's all right here on my heart. I apologize for the emotions, but that's how it is now.”
The cancelled ceremony: credentials of ambassadors
On that same day, an event with the participation of the President of Ukraine was to take place on the reserve's territory — the presentation of credentials by ambassadors of four countries. According to Kukovalska, the day before, the diplomats were given a tour of the complex, and after the attack the planned visit by the head of state was cancelled. The presentation of credentials on the reserve's territory, she said, became a tradition during the full-scale war: before the ceremony, diplomats are introduced to the history of Ukraine and the sights of the complex.
The condition of the cathedral itself and the role of UNESCO
According to a preliminary visual assessment, the Saint Sophia Cathedral itself sustained no visible damage, however, final conclusions will be drawn only after a detailed inspection, which is planned for the near future. “Visually, nothing is visible for now. Perhaps there are some small cracks, but I don't want to say. I think everything will be fine there,” said the director. She also reported that UNESCO has already been informed about what happened, where they are “now thinking about support.” Kukovalska reminded that the site is under the organization's special attention, and this year at the session of the World Heritage Committee its status was reaffirmed.
