The war in Ukraine has caused $3.5 billion in destruction to the country's heritage and cultural sector. UNESCO estimates that more than 300 cultural sites have been damaged or destroyed since the Russian invasion in February 2022.
Two sites belonging to UNESCO world heritage, the historic center of Lviv and that of Odessa were particularly affected by Russian bombings. The Transfiguration Cathedral in Odessa, a “symbol for the entire community”, was heavily damaged by a Russian strike last July.