President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced state measures to protect Ukraine’s national shrines, including the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, during a ceremony marking the historic site’s 975th anniversary. He said a draft law defining and safeguarding national shrines would be prepared ahead of Ukraine’s Independence Day. Speaking at the Lavra, Zelenskyy described the site as a center of Ukraine’s spiritual strength, cultural identity and statehood. He called on Parliament to support legislation that would establish the legal status of national shrines and provide stronger financial, legal and political tools for their preservation. Zelenskyy said Russian attacks had damaged the Lavra, St. Sophia Cathedral and other religious, cultural and historical sites across Ukraine. He also cited damage to Babyn Yar and Drobytsky Yar, the destruction of churches and museums, and threats to heritage sites in temporarily occupied territories. The president called for greater cooperation with UNESCO and other international institutions, expanded efforts to place Ukrainian sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and stronger action to hold Russia and those responsible for attacks on cultural heritage accountable. He said protecting the sites was essential to ensuring future generations could experience them as part of Ukraine’s history and national life. Post navigation Zelenskyy Calls for More Defense Funding Konovalets Returned to Ukraine