UNESCO verifies damage to 527 cultural sites in Ukraine, including 21 libraries

UNESCO has verified damage to 527 cultural sites across Ukraine since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, according to the organisation’s latest assessment published on May 13.

The damaged sites include 153 religious sites, 276 buildings of historical or artistic interest, 39 museums, 33 monuments, 21 libraries, four archaeological sites and one archive.

Among the affected institutions are the Chernihiv Regional Universal Scientific Library, the Central City Library in Irpin, the Khanenko Museum, the National Museum Taras Shevchenko, the Kharkiv State Scientific Library, the Kharkiv Art Museum and the Hryhoriy Skovoroda National Literary Memorial Museum.

UNESCO said it conducts preliminary damage assessments by cross-checking reported incidents with multiple credible sources, including satellite imagery and independent verification mechanisms developed with partner organisations in line with the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict.

On April 20, Sweden announced SEK 12 million (around US$1.1 million) in funding for UNESCO-led efforts to preserve Ukraine’s cultural heritage in 2026–2027. Part of the funding will support preservation work at the Khortytsia National Reserve in southeastern Ukraine. According to the Swedish government, Russia’s destruction of the Kakhovka dam exposed archaeological artefacts and sites of scientific and cultural value along the Dnipro River shoreline.

The funding package includes SEK 4 million for 2026 and approximately SEK 8 million for 2027. UNESCO previously estimated Ukraine would require US$9 billion over the next decade to restore cultural sites and tourism infrastructure damaged by Russia’s war.

Related: Russian attack damages writers’ homes, schools, and museums

Main image: UNESCO / Alexandre Larcan