53 Ukrainian cultural sites damaged

At least 53 cutltural sites in Ukraine have been damaged since the Russian invasion began.

UNESCO says it has confirmed damage to 29 religious sites, 16 historic buildings, four monuments, and four museums, including one sheltering civilians in Mariupol.

"Our experts continue to verify each report and it is feared that other sites will be added to this list," a spokesperson said.

The agency is liaising with culture professionals in Ukraine to help protect artifacts and urging Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to adhere to its Hague Convention duty to protect cultural property during the conflict.

Cultural sites are marked with a blue shield are protected by the convention. If attacks are committed against these sites, UNESCO says the perpetrators will have committed acts that constitute war crimes.