Italy and Ukraine sign agreement on restoration of Russian-destroyed cathedral in Odesa

Italy and Ukraine have signed an agreement to jointly restore the Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa, which was destroyed during the Russian attack on July 23

Italy's Deputy PM Antonio Tajani said this before the meeting of EU foreign ministers in Kyiv

Tajani noted that the best Italian architects will be involved in the restoration of the cathedral. He says this is a clear cultural and political message for Ukraine.

The minister added that Italy wants to support Ukraine and protect international law.

Of course, we want to achieve peace, but it is impossible to achieve peace without justice. Justice means freedom and independence of Ukraine, the Italian FM emphasized.

On the night of July 23, the Russian army attacked southern Odesa with at least five types of missiles, such as Kalibr, Oniks, Kh-22, and Iskander-K, and also used ballistic Iskander-M. Air defense units destroyed 9 out of 19 enemy air targets.

During the attack, the Russian forces destroyed the Transfiguration Cathedral, the largest Orthodox church in Odesa, and the House of Scientists.

The UNESCO mission announces that it is preparing a report on the damage caused by Russian missile strikes on the World Heritage Site in Odesa for a meeting of the Hague Convention states parties in December.

On September 4, Italy announced its readiness to contribute to restoring the Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa, which was damaged by Russian shelling.