image source, Getty Images
A monument to the Duke de Richelieu, the city’s governor in the early 19th century, was surrounded by sandbags to prevent damage.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced the city of Odessa. Historical center port city of Ukraine It is a world heritage site that is in danger.
UNESCO has identified Odessa as an area of outstanding international value.
While Russia criticized the announcement, saying “politically motivated”
The city of Odessa, known as the “Pearl of the Black Sea” faces air raids and dropped bombs many times Since Russia invaded Ukraine last year,
last year Residents of the city of Odessa Try to protect the city’s monuments and buildings by enclosing them with sandbags. became one of the most important symbolic images
Audrey Azulei, Director-General of UNESCO Said after voting that Designation of the city as a World Heritage Site is an important step
image source, Getty Images
Odessa National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet
“The first is the symbolic aspect. indicating that this city is a world heritage site It made us aware and concerned about this. It allows all of us to see and recognize its history and contributions as a World Heritage Site.”
Director of UNESCO also said that this resolution also means all UNESCO member countries including Russia have an obligation to “Not deliberately destroying” World Heritage Sites
In addition, some areas of the city of Odessa. It has also been listed on the world heritage list as endangered.
As a result of such account registration It will give the city access to technical and financial assistance. Ukraine can request asset protection if necessary. Including the restoration of the city to return to its original state.
image source, Getty Images
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the vote, saying he was “deeply grateful to the allies who helped protect our pearls from the attacks of Russian aggressors”.
Russia tried to withhold the vote. accusing Ukraine of Destroying his monument It’s not the work of Russian soldiers.
Russian Foreign Minister also accused Ukraine of Ukraine’s UNESCO filings are incomplete and claim that the vote approved Odessa as a World Heritage Site. Happened under western pressure and “shortcuts”
“Prepare to vote hastily. without respect to the high standards of UNESCO,” said the Russian foreign minister.
In addition to this good news of the Ukrainian people, 7 other areas of Ukraine Other UNESCO World Heritage Sites include Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kiev and the historic city of Lviv in western Ukraine.
In December last year, the Ukrainian authorities said Russia used Iranian-built drones to attack critical infrastructure in the port city of Odessa.
“The situation in the Odessa region is very deteriorating,” said President Volodymyr. said via video on the evening of the day of the attack
