Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, which has moved into its second month, has forced millions to flee their homes. The attacks have been targeting Ukraine’s civilian sites and pose a great threat to the country’s historical and cultural heritage. As Ukrainians show stiff military resistance, Kyiv’s residents do all they can to save their cultural legacy.
Monument to Volodymyr the Great in a special protective structure on Volodymyrsky Hill in Kyiv.
Key historical monuments in Kyiv are protected as best as possible given the rushed preparations.
UNIAN
Monument to Bohdan Khmelnytsky on the square in front of St. Sophia of Kiev in a special protective structure.
The city’s monuments represent Ukraine’s rich and turbulent history and its long-standing fight for independence.
Vladislav Musienko / UNIAN
Monument to Bohdan Khmelnytsky.
Kyiv’s monuments celebrate cultural heroes like Bohdan Khmelnytsky, who led the uprising against Polish domination.
Vladislav Musienko / UNIAN
Monument to Bohdan Khmelnytsky in a special protective structure.
As the Russian army keeps shelling Ukrainian cities despite its promises to scale back, many fear that ongoing bombardment might destroy Kyiv’s cultural heritage and monuments to those who fought for country’s sovereignty.
UNIAN
Sandbags near the Samson Fountain on Kontraktova Square.
Dating back to 482 CE, Kyiv was once the capital of Kyivan Rus and holds great spiritual significance in the East Slavic world.
Vladislav Musienko / UNIAN
A monument to Princess Olga, St. Andrew the First-Called and the educators Cyril and Methodius lined with sandbags.
Kyiv is home to numerous churches that date back to medieval times and are an essential part of the country’s cultural and religious identity.
Vladislav Musienko / UNIAN
A monument to Princess Olga, St. Andrew the First-Called and the educators Cyril and Methodius lined with sandbags.
Once popular tourist attractions, the city’s religious monuments are now being wrapped in protective material.
Vladislav Musienko / UNIAN
A monument to Hetman Petro Sagaidachny.
Ukraine’s memorials to its saints and cultural figures are also being protected by sandbags and scaffolding.
Aleksandr Sinitsa / UNIAN
A monument to Hetman Petro Sagaidachny.
Officials in other Ukrainian cities, including Lviv and Kharkiv, are taking similar measures to protect their revered historical monuments.
Aleksandr Sinitsa / UNIAN
Monument to Mykhailo Hrushevsky.
With at least half of its population fleeing the war and its artifacts being hidden behind sandbags, it is hard to recognize Ukraine’s once bustling capital.
UNIAN
A monument to Dante Alighieri in Kyiv covered by sandbags.
Amid ongoing fighting on the outskirts of Kyiv, its people hope the city’s memorials and artifacts will preserve Ukraine’s history for future generations.
Aleksandr Sinitsa / UNIAN
