The Council of Europe has strongly criticized Russia for targeting and looting Ukraine’s historical sites, claiming that these actions aim to erase Ukraine’s cultural and historical identity.
Extensive Damage to Cultural Heritage
In a statement released Tuesday, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities condemned Russia's "ongoing war of aggression" and reaffirmed its unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders.
The statement highlights the Council’s concern over the extensive damage to over 1,000 cultural heritage sites in Ukraine since the conflict began. The attacks on these sites, many of which are historically and culturally significant, violate international humanitarian law, according to Digi24.
The Congress suggested that the systematic targeting of Ukrainian cultural landmarks appears to be part of a deliberate strategy to erase Ukraine’s historical identity, pointing to what it called Moscow’s "genocidal intent."
Documenting Destruction
Russia, once a member of the Council of Europe, was expelled in March 2022, just weeks after launching its invasion of Ukraine. The Council has since established a registry to document the destruction of cultural heritage caused by Russia’s aggression, with the goal of holding the country accountable for the damages.
The Council also emphasized the need for Russia to provide reparations for the destruction it has caused to Ukraine’s historical, cultural, and religious heritage.
In the same declaration, the Congress called on local and regional authorities across Europe to increase efforts in helping Ukraine through cultural heritage partnerships.
The Council of Europe, established in 1949 and based in Strasbourg, now consists of 46 member states committed to upholding the European Convention on Human Rights.
