Crimea's Ancient City of Chersonesus Added to UNESCO World Heritage in Danger List

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee voted to place the ancient Greek city of Chersonesus, located on the Russian‑occupied Crimean peninsula, on its list of World Heritage in Danger. The decision highlights systematic changes to the site since Russia's 2014 annexation, including the removal of more than 12 million archaeological objects to Russian institutions without Ukrainian consent. Ukrainian officials described the measures as part of a “cultural cleansing” policy aimed at erasing non‑Russian identity, while the Russian delegation protested, calling the listing a politicisation of UNESCO.

Chersonesus, inscribed as a World Heritage site in 2013, encompasses urban ruins and agricultural terraces dating back to the 5th century BC. The new danger status signals heightened concerns over ongoing threats to the monument amid the broader conflict in Ukraine.