Last nightâs strikes by Russia on one of Kyivâs holiest sites, the Pershka Lavra monastery, are an abhorrent act by Putin: a deliberate act of sacrilege in his increasingly desperate assault on Ukraine.
Britain will support Ukraine's call for action from UNESCO, and - following yesterdayâs shadow fleet interdiction in the English Channel - we will continue doing everything we can to increase our pressure on the Russian war machine.
By striking the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, one of the greatest holy sites of Christianity, Putin has forever put his name on the list of historyâs worst barbarians.
He should be damned for centuries. And he will lose this war.
From the Horde in the 13th century to the Nazis and Bolsheviks in the 20th century, Kyivâs sacred monasteries have suffered numerous barbarically attacks.
Now we are dealing with Russian terrorists who have already outmatched ISIS in their crimes against cultural heritage. Only Russian scum who have nothing sacred can deliberately damage the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, a unique UNESCO heritage site under special protection.
We will be urgently initiating all relevant procedures within UNESCO and all other international mechanisms, demanding immediate and adequate responses to this state barbarism.
We expect strong reactions by international institutions and capitals. No vague words, silence, or weak steps. We need action now to stop Russian barbarism.