DISINFO: Russia does not attack temples and churches in Ukraine
SUMMARY
The Russian Armed Forces never strike at social infrastructure, temples, churches and other similar objects in Ukraine.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in order to deflect Russian responsibility.
As of July 20, 2023, UNESCO has verified and documented Russian damage to 270 cultural sites in Ukraine, including churches, mosques, synagogues, museums, libraries, historical buildings, monuments, libraries and archives.
According to UNESCO, Ukraine’s Donetsk region has suffered the most destruction of its cultural infrastructure, with Russian troops having damaged or destroyed 78 churches, museums, and historic buildings. The Kharkiv region follows with 55 churches, museums, libraries, and theaters destroyed. The Kyiv region has seen 38 sites damaged or destroyed; Luhansk has lost 33 important cultural sites and Chernihiv 17. In other Ukrainian regions, the Russians have destroyed at least one important cultural and historical heritage site. The presented data has been verified and confirmed by UNESCO experts on the spot. The tally provided by UNESCO is not final and continues to grow.
According to an Institute for Religious Freedom report presented during the Washington Summit on International Religious Freedom in January 2023, at least 494 religious buildings, religious educational institutions and shrines have been completely destroyed, damaged or looted as a result of Russian aggression in Ukraine.
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