Ukraine’s lawmakers have finally ratified an important international document that can help counter Russia’s barbaric and ongoing destruction of places of huge historical and cultural heritage like the Khan’s Palace, or Hansaray, in Bakhchysarai, Crimea.
The bill on ratifying the Second Protocol to the Hague Convention of 1954 for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict 1999, was supported by all members of the majority Servant of the People party present, and passed with a healthy 321 votes. Although no national deputies voted against it, the failure of some deputies from other factions who were present to vote at all is baffling, since the only question over this bill should really have been why it took so long.