In the context of the escalation of the war in Ukraine following the invasion by the Russian Federation, UNESCO condemns the reported attack on Odesa on 9 August 2026, which affected six cultural heritage buildings located within the World Heritage property “the Historic Centre of Odesa”
The attack reportedly damaged the Brandt and Schulz House, the Gagarin Apartment Building, the Sturdza House, the Rossi Apartment Block and two other historic residential buildings. The Historic Centre of Odesa is an important testament to the city’s rich architectural and cultural heritage and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and placed on the World Heritage List in Danger in 2023
UNESCO condemns attacks against cultural property, educational institutions, students, education personnel and media professionals protected under international law, which deprive communities of access to culture, education, and shared spaces that are essential for recovery and social cohesion
UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany is currently visiting Ukraine to reaffirm UNESCO’s commitment to the country and its recovery efforts within the Organization’s mandate
