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Ukraine urges UNESCO to expel Russia over cultural damage

newsMar 25, 2026202

Ukraine’s Institute of National Remembrance urged UNESCO to expel Russia from the organization. The institute says more than 1,600 cultural heritage sites were destroyed or damaged during the full-scale invasion. It accuses Moscow of systematically targeting Ukrainian national identity through attacks on cultural sites. Expulsion would strip Russia of cultural legitimacy and force UNESCO to confront norms on cultural protection.

Key Highlights

Ukraine asks UNESCO to expel Russia over damage to 1,600 sites.
Institute of National Remembrance says Moscow systematically targeted Ukrainian national identity.
UNESCO faces international pressure to act on cultural protection norms.