UNESCO lists ancient Chersonesus in Russian-occupied Crimea as endangered heritage

The ancient Greek city of Chersonesus, located in Crimea and currently occupied by Russia, has been inscribed on UNESCO's list of World Heritage sites in danger. The decision was made during the annual assembly in Busan, South Korea.

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confirms the magnitude and the nature of the systematic changes that are occurring in the property under temporary occupation

Ukraine's delegation viewed the inscription as confirmation of the "magnitude and systematic nature of the changes" occurring at the site under Russian occupation. The archaeological site, originally inscribed as a World Heritage site in 2013 before Russia's annexation of Crimea, has reportedly seen the excavation of over 12 million archaeological objects and their transfer to Russian institutions without Ukraine's authorization. UNESCO's report highlights "serious concerns" regarding the "magnitude, intensity, and cumulative character of the interventions."

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The magnitude, intensity and cumulative character of the interventions denounced raise serious concerns

Kyiv has previously accused Moscow of conducting a "cultural cleansing" to erase distinct cultural identities in occupied territories. Russia's representatives, however, condemned the decision, labeling it "a new example of politicization" within UNESCO. They asserted that the threats to the ancient Roman city stem from "constant terrorist attacks by the Ukrainian regime."

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Reflects a coherent policy of Moscow aimed at integrating the cultural heritage of the temporarily occupied Autonomous Republic of Crimea

Chersonesus Taurica, founded by Dorian Greeks in the 5th century BC, comprises six sites with urban remains and agricultural lands. This addition places it alongside other Ukrainian monuments already on the endangered list due to the ongoing Russian invasion, including the Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv and the historic center of Lviv.

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a new example of the politicization of the organization