"Lost for Ukraine": expert on Chersonesos destruction in Crimea

She spoke about this on Espreso TV.

"Russia is appropriating and enhancing its culture and history by claiming other people's achievements as its own. Chersonesos is a prime example of this, where Russia tries to create a false connection between Byzantium, Vladimir, and Russia. This misuse of historical artifacts for political purposes is evident. The scale of archaeological excavations we’ve seen over the past 10 years is massive, not only in Crimea but also in eastern Ukraine, particularly in Donetsk and Luhansk regions," the expert said.

Elmira Ablyalimova also noted that six Russian archaeological teams excavated the reserve's territory.

“The most significant destruction happened in the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Ancient City of Tauric Chersonese and its Chora. The reserve responsible for preserving this site until 2014 was called Chersonesos Tavriya. The southern suburb of Chersonesos, including the Southern Necropolis, was particularly affected. Our monitors have recorded that over six Russian archaeological teams have been working there. Unfortunately, there have been no publications about their findings. As a result, this part of our heritage is now lost to Ukraine, our science, and our history," she said.

The expert noted that Russians are transforming the reserve into a religious institution.

“The most interesting aspect is that this area has been inhabited for the longest period, making it particularly valuable for studying the monument. This situation reflects the appropriation of other people's achievements and the attempt to forge connections between Byzantium, Russia, and Vladimir. Furthermore, the Russian Orthodox Church had a plan, which still seems to exist today, to establish a monastery on the reserve’s territory. In 2017, they aimed to hold more than two dozen premises within the reserve. This idea is not dead, it continues to be pursued. The reserve is being turned into a religious institution and a site that supports a political ideology,” added Elmira Ablyalimova.

• Ukraine's Ministry of Culture began consultations with the UNESCO World Heritage Committee Secretariat over illegal Russian construction at Tauric Chersonese.