Viktor Yelenskyi, the head of the State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience, declares, that has been damaged or destroyed since the start of the full-scale war 500 cult buildings.
“We know, which is completely destroyed 100 temples, a 500 or destroyed, or half destroyed, or damaged”, – Yelensky said on the air of a national telethon on Tuesday.
Also according to the head of State Policy, over 30 priests were tortured or killed by the occupiers during the occupation of the territories.
In light of Viktor Yelensky's latest statements, Ukraine once again faced staggering losses as a result of the war.
Such events highlight the continuing tragedy and suffering of the civilian population, destruction of cultural monuments and ruthless violation of human rights. Cult buildings not only symbolize religious values, they are also part of the identity of the people, which is irretrievably lost through war.
Preserving cultural heritage and protecting freedom of conscience are important aspects of any society. Our collective responsibility is to, to uphold these values, to protect and assist cultural objects, who suffer as a result of the conflict.
Ukraine faces the task of not only restoring damaged buildings, but also to take into account the importance of international support in the preservation of cultural heritage and in the protection of human rights. This is a common goal, which requires the combined efforts of all stakeholders to restore peace and protect values, which are important for every person.
