Russian aggression has damaged or destroyed more than 700 religious sites in Ukraine — President’s Office
As of the end of 2025, Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine has damaged or destroyed at least 704 religious sites belonging to various faith communities. This was reported by Olena Kovalska, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine.
Scale of destruction: churches, mosques, synagogues
In an exclusive comment to Interfax-Ukraine, Olena Kovalska said that the damage includes churches, prayer houses, synagogues, mosques, and other places of worship across the country.
Orthodox churches have suffered the greatest losses, but religious buildings of many different denominations have also been affected. According to Kovalska, some religious sites were deliberately targeted, and during the temporary Russian occupation of parts of the Kyiv and Chernihiv regions in the spring of 2022, numerous cases of desecration of sacred spaces were documented.
Completely destroyed historic and cultural landmarks
Approximately 200 religious buildings have been completely destroyed and will need to be rebuilt from scratch. Among them are historic and architectural landmarks, including unique wooden churches that were burned down as a result of artillery shelling.
The Office of the President emphasizes that the destruction of places of worship represents not only material losses but also a direct attack on Ukraine’s spiritual heritage, religious freedom, and cultural identity.
Context
The systematic destruction of religious sites in Ukraine is viewed as part of broader violations of international humanitarian law and freedom of religion committed by the Russian Federation during its war against Ukraine.
