Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv remains not only a spiritual and cultural hub of Ukraine but also a powerful tool of cultural diplomacy. This was highlighted by Nelya Kukovalska, General Director of the National Preserve "Saint Sophia of Kyiv."
The cathedral, once a venue for receiving foreign envoys and forging political alliances, now hosts international delegations, helping the world better understand the roots of Ukrainian statehood. Thanks to the preserve’s initiatives, including its collaboration with the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine, a lecture series has been created to form a distinct Ukrainian historical narrative for diplomats.
The preserve is also implementing international projects to digitally preserve cultural heritage, such as the digitization of Sophia’s ancient graffiti and the DIGCURE project supported by the Swedish Institute. Saint Sophia has even become a space for the rehabilitation of wounded soldiers, offering a connection to centuries of history.
In addition to its academic research and conservation work, the preserve actively promotes accessibility, publishes dozens of scholarly works, and shares Ukrainian heritage worldwide. One such example is the donation of 77 publications to the Bodleian Library at Oxford.
Saint Sophia is not just a museum or a cathedral—it is a living symbol of Ukraine’s historical continuity, dignity, and cultural resilience.
