russia accused of damaging Chersonese chora under the pretext of archaeological work

Serious threats to Crimea’s cultural heritage are being reported in the Chersonese chora, part of the UNESCO-listed historic and archaeological site Ancient City of Tauric Chersonese and its Chora. 

Olena Serdiuk, a museum expert and member of the Board of the ICOMOS Ukraine National Committee, voiced concern during a briefing at Media Center Ukraine.

According to Serdiuk, the full extent of the damage remains unclear, in part due to the site’s strategic location and immense archaeological significance.

“The situation regarding Chersonese, not just the ancient settlement itself but the vast surrounding territory of the Chersonese chora, is deeply alarming,” she said. “We likely do not yet grasp the scale of destruction, as the Chersonese chora encompasses the Heracles Peninsula. In fact, most monuments, those still unexplored, and the untouched cultural layers, are located in this area, where russian military bases have been established and where unauthorized archaeological activity is underway.”

“In reality, I would say this is the most critical development on an international level right now,” Serdiuk added. “This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.”

Read more: https://mediacenter.org.ua/news