The strikes, carried out on the night of Thursday November 14 to Friday November 15, targeted the historic center of Odessa, protected since January 2023 under the UNESCO World Heritage Convention.
UNESCO condemned on Monday “a large-scale Russian attack” which hit the historic center of Odessa (South), included on the list of world heritage in danger.
“On the night of Thursday November 14 to Friday November 15, a large-scale Russian attack targeted the historic center of Odessa, protected since January 2023 under the UNESCO World Heritage Convention,” deplored the organization of the United Nations dedicated to science, culture and education, in a press release.
A preliminary assessment shows damage to “around twenty buildings, including historical and religious buildings, and some for educational purposes”, regretted UNESCO which indicates that it “condemns” these “strike which contravene international law” and ” express support for the victims.
A mission of UNESCO experts visited the site on Saturday to “assess the damage and prepare for the security of the buildings”.
Early Friday morning, Ukrainian emergency services reported a “massive” Russian air attack that occurred overnight, killing at least one person in Odessa.
Russian forces have recently stepped up attacks on southern Ukraine, including damaging civilian ships at ports in the Odessa region, while kyiv has stepped up attacks on military and energy targets in Russian-controlled regions. Russia.
Russia continues its strikes in Odessa
At least ten people were also killed Monday in a new Russian missile attack in Odessa, authorities in the region announced.
“According to initial information, the Russian attack left eight dead and 18 injured. A child is among the injured. Four people are in serious condition,” regional governor Oleg Kiper said on his Telegram account.
