Сommission of Ukraine's Culture Ministry Found New Violations During Inspection of Kyiv Lavra

The Commission of the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy (MCIP) uncovered further violations when inspecting the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, a historic Orthodox Christian monastery, on Wednesday, April 19.  

 The inspection by the MCIP commission, led by Minister of Culture and Information Policy Oleksandr Tkachenko, focused on three monuments within the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra: building 37 (the gallery to the Near Caves), building 37-a (the bell tower at the Near Caves) and building 38 (the entrance to the Gallery of the Near Caves).

 These buildings are recognized as architectural monuments of national and local significance as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra Ensemble.

 Despite the buildings being closed, the commission gained access to the premises with the assistance of technical workers and the Acting General Director of the National Reserve "Kyiv Pechersk Lavra." Minister Tkachenko noted that the condition of the objects revealed violations, and there were no signs of fire prevention measures being taken by the tenant.

 However, during the inspection, another incident occurred on the Lavra's territory. According to Yulia Girdvilis, spokesperson for the capital police, despite law enforcement officers maintaining order, followers of the UOC-MP broke the seals placed on buildings.

 Supporters of the UOC-MP had damaged protective shutters, after MCIP representatives sealed another room in one of Lavra's buildings. The police have recorded the actions of the believers, and the legal ramifications are being determined.

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 The MCIP commission continues to inspect the condition of objects within the architectural monument of national importance - the Ensemble of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra.

 However, conflicts with followers of the UOC-MP, who refuse to vacate the premises as mandated by authorities, continue. The situation remains tense as the MCIP tries to carry out its inspections and addresses the violations found in this historic site.