Russia does not care what to turn into ruins: Zelenskyy about the blow to Svyatogorsk Lavra

In the Donetsk region, as a result of shelling by Russian troops on the Svyatogorsk Lavra, the All Saints Hermitage, which was consecrated in 1912, was destroyed. It was first demolished during the Soviet era, later rebuilt, but is now burned again by the Russian army.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that Russian troops know exactly which object is being shelled. There are no military targets on the territory of the Svyatogorsk Lavra. However, about 300 civilians, including 60 children, are fleeing the fighting.

– But all the same the Russian army fires a laurel, as well as all Donbas. Like any other territory and any other object of Ukraine that can be reached. They don’t care what to turn into ruins, – the head of state is convinced.

This week, Russian shells exploded in the cells of the Lavra monks. Four people were killed and four civilians were seriously injured. Svyatogorsk has been under enemy fire since May.

– Every church burned by Russia in Ukraine, every school blown up, every destroyed memorial proves that Russia has no place in UNESCO. What can we talk about with a barbarian state, with a terrorist state? About what artillery shells are better to destroy the historical heritage? We expect a logical and fair response from the UN and UNESCO. This is the United Nations, its charter does not provide for association with terrorists. Russia’s isolation must be complete, it must be held accountable for its crimes, Zelenskyy is convinced.

On May 31, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine appealed to UNESCO to deprive Russia of membership in the organization. No country other than Russia has destroyed so many monuments, cultural and social sites in Europe since World War II, the president said.

On the morning of June 4, the Svyatogorsk Lavra was on fire in the Donetsk region as a result of shelling by the Russian army. According to the latest data, the wooden All Saints Monastery of the Svyatogorsk Lavra of the Moscow Patriarchate was destroyed.

Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy