The Russian invasion of Ukraine has had many humanitarian, geopolitical and international strategic impacts, some of which we discussed in a special roundtable last week on our program. Russia’s invasion has also put many historic structures, monuments, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites in danger of destruction. These artifacts represent irreplaceable cultural history and architectural heritage, with many dating back to the Middle Ages.
Joining us to discuss cultural monuments in Ukraine, especially in the UNESCO cities of Kyiv and Lviv is Dr. Gauvin Baily, an expert in Ukrainian Baroque architecture from the Department of Art History and Art Conservation. Welcome Gauvin. He discusses UNESCO World Heritage Sites generally, those located in Kyiv and Lviv, and what has happened elsewhere when such monuments are damaged or destroyed.
Photo: Saint-Sophia Cathedral, Kyiv, Ukraine courtesy of UNESCO