Spanish Foreign Minister condemns Russian attack on Kyiv-Petchersk Cathedral in Ukraine

Eduardo González Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares condemned on Monday the Russian attack on the Kyiv-Petchersk Cathedral in Kyiv, an 11th-century building that was set ablaze last night during a massive bombing campaign against the Ukrainian capital. “Russian aggression also shows no respect for Christian temples, which are part of humanity’s cultural heritage,” the minister posted on social media. “We demand a ceasefire that leads to a just and lasting peace,” he added. “Once again, we have received terrible news from Ukraine regarding Russia’s unjustified aggression,” Albares declared in Luxembourg upon his arrival at the EU Foreign Affairs Council (EAC). “There has been the bombing of an important Christian cathedral in Kyiv, and we strongly condemn this latest attack on a religious symbol, a Christian symbol that represents the beliefs of millions of people in Ukraine, around the world, and also in Spain,” he continued. “The bombing of places of worship is a war crime; it is completely contrary to international humanitarian law,” he warned. “Thank you, José Manuel Albares, for your clear condemnation of the Russian attack on the Kyiv Pechersk Cathedral,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha posted on social media. “Such attacks on holy sites are a direct assault on the shared cultural and spiritual heritage of humanity,” he declared. “We deeply appreciate Spain’s support. The international community must act decisively to stop the killing of innocent people and the destruction of cultural heritage,” he concluded. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zeleneskyy, who reported the incident on social media, Russian forces launched more than 60 missiles last night at the capital alone, adding to the total of 70 missiles and 611 drones recorded across Ukraine. At least four people have died in Kyiv, and another five have been reported dead in Kharkiv. The bombing also caused a fire at the Cathedral, “a church whose history dates back to the 11th century,” the president continued. “This is one of Russia’s most serious crimes against Christian culture to date,” he declared. “The State Emergency Service has already extinguished the fire on the cathedral roof,” he added. For his part, Andriy Sybiha declared that, with this attack against "one of the holiest sites in Christendom," Russian President Vladimir Putin has "forever included his name on the list of the worst barbarians in history." During the Foreign Affairs Council meeting, Andrii Sybiha provided, via videoconference, an overview of the situation on the ground, Ukraine's most urgent needs, and an update on the latest Russian nighttime attacks, including the one against the cathedral, one of the country's most important religious sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meanwhile, the ministers of the 27 member states discussed the proposed new sanctions package, the twenty-first, against Russia and agreed that work on it must move quickly. “Western sanctions have already cost Russia between €1 and €1.3 trillion. These euros are not being spent on the war against Ukraine. Increasing the pressure also means isolating Russia internationally. While Russia is bombing cathedrals, Europe should not be rolling out the red carpet for Russian artists and athletes who support the Kremlin's war. Culture and sport should not be used to mask aggression,” declared Kaja Kallas.

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