By Hammad Kahlun
Scandinavian news Finland
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Russia has damaged or destroyed at least 740 Religious buildings in Ukraine. He made this statement to inform the international community about the scale of destruction caused by the ongoing war. Zelensky wants the world to understand that the damage goes far beyond military targets.
The announcement came as Ukraine continues to fight against the Russian invasion that began with a full-scale attack. Since that time, the destruction across the country has been massive and widespread.
Churches Hit by Bullets, Bombs and Missiles
According to President Zelensky, the religious buildings were damaged in different ways. Some churches were hit by bullets during ground fighting. Others were destroyed by guided bombs dropped from the air. Many were also struck by missiles fired from long distances.
These are not simple accidents. Guided bombs and missiles are precision weapons. Their use against churches and religious sites raises serious questions about deliberate targeting. Zelensky used these details to highlight the nature of the attacks on Ukrainian soil.
These targeted strikes have now brought the total count to 740 religious buildings damaged or destroyed across Ukraine.
Both Cities and Villages Were Targeted
One important point in Zelensky’s statement is that the attacks were not limited to one type of area. 740 Religious buildings were damaged in major Ukrainian cities as well as in small and remote villages.
This means that no part of Ukraine was truly safe from the destruction. Whether a community was large or small, urban or rural, its places of worship were at risk. The widespread nature of these attacks shows that the damage to religious sites happened across the entire country.
What Kind of Buildings Were Damaged?
The 740 buildings include churches and other religious sites across Ukraine. These buildings serve as the heart of local communities and carry centuries of history. They are also part of Ukraine’s cultural and historical identity. Many of these structures are hundreds of years old and hold deep meaning for local communities.
When such buildings are damaged or destroyed, it is not only a loss for the people who pray there. It is also a loss for Ukrainian heritage and history. Rebuilding them will take years and significant resources.
International Law and War Crimes
Attacking religious buildings during a war is considered a violation of international humanitarian law. Under the rules of war, places of worship are protected sites. Deliberate attacks on such locations can be classified as war crimes.
Ukraine has been documenting this destruction carefully. These records are being used to build legal cases and to present evidence to international courts and organizations. The number of 740 damaged religious buildings is part of that broader documentation effort.
Ukraine Seeks Global Support
Zelensky shared this information as part of Ukraine’s ongoing effort to gain more international support. By presenting clear numbers and specific details, Ukraine is trying to show the world the true cost of the Russian invasion.
Ukraine has been asking allied countries for more military aid, financial support, and stronger political pressure on Russia. Statements like this one are aimed at keeping global attention focused on the war and its human and cultural consequences.
Also Read: How Russia’s War Is Destroying Ukraine’s Cultural Heritage
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