Key facts
- Switzerland is providing 600,000 Swiss francs ($730,000) to help restore the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
- The historic site was damaged by a Russian drone attack on June 15.
- The funding will be channeled through UNESCO.
- The Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra is a significant Ukrainian religious and historic symbol and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Switzerland has committed a total of 5 billion Swiss francs ($6.1 billion) to Ukraine's reconstruction through 2036.
Switzerland is providing 600,000 Swiss francs, equivalent to approximately $730,000, to aid in the preservation and restoration of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a significant Ukrainian historic and religious site. The announcement was made by Swiss Federal Council Delegate Jacques Gerber on August 16.
The Lavra's Dormition Cathedral, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, sustained damage from a Russian Shahed-type drone attack on June 15. While firefighters managed to contain the blaze, parts of the cathedral were affected.
Following the attack, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed restoration efforts with Swiss President Guy Parmelin, leading to Switzerland's commitment. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasized the importance of protecting cultural heritage against Russian attempts to destroy it.
This contribution is part of Switzerland's broader support for Ukraine's reconstruction, with a total commitment of 5 billion Swiss francs ($6.1 billion) through 2036. Despite its historical military neutrality, Switzerland has aligned with EU sanctions against Russia and frozen Russian assets, stating these actions are compatible with neutrality as they do not involve military aid to either side.