Ukraine compares Russia to ISIS after attack damages historic Kyiv cathedral

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga drew a stark parallel between Russia and the Islamic State group on Monday, accusing Russian forces of damaging the historic Dormition Cathedral at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery. Sibiga described the attack as a deliberate act by "Russian terrorists" who have inflicted barbarism on cultural heritage.

"From the Horde in the 13th century to the Nazis and Bolsheviks in the 20th century, the sacred monasteries of Kyiv have suffered numerous barbaric attacks. Now we face Russian terrorists, who have already surpassed ISIS in their crimes against cultural heritage," Sibiga wrote on the social platform X. He emphasized that the monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is protected by international conventions and that nothing is sacred to the Russians.

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From the Horde (of invaders from Mongolia) in the 13th century to the Nazis and Bolsheviks in the 20th century, the sacred monasteries of Kyiv have suffered numerous barbaric attacks. Now we face Russian terrorists, who have already surpassed ISIS in their crimes against cultural heritage.

Sibiga announced that Ukraine will appeal to UNESCO and other international organizations for "immediate and adequate responses." He stressed the need for action, not just words, to halt what he termed Russian barbarism. The alleged attack occurred just hours before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was set to attend a G7 summit in Evian, France, where he hoped to meet with leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump. Earlier in the war, Russian attacks had also damaged other significant religious sites, such as the Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa.

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We need action now to stop the Russian barbarism.