Ukraine's Odessa wins Unesco status despite Russia opposition

Odessa – located about 500km from capital Kyiv, which sees frequent air strikes from Russian forces – has also been added to the List of World Heritage in Danger. Photo: AFP

Unesco added the historic centre of Ukraine's port city Odessa, often described as "the pearl of the Black Sea", to its World Heritage List on Jan 25, overcoming opposition from Russia.

The 21 member states of the agency's world heritage committee approved inscribing designated areas of the city with six votes in favour, one against and 14 abstentions.