Lawsuit Targets the Water Tower's Future
Kyiv's city prosecutor’s office has filed a lawsuit seeking a court order to compel the property manager to sign a preservation contract for the Water Tower in the Holosiiv district. The court has initiated proceedings because the entity responsible for the structure has long avoided its legal duty to finalize such an agreement. Standing 30 meters tall, the tower was officially added to Kyiv’s list of newly discovered cultural heritage sites in early 2023.
The structure first drew public attention in late 2022, when the developer of the 'Holosiivski Vezhi' residential complex fenced off the plot between 9 and 11 General Rodymtsev Street. A representative of the developer claimed that 'the structure is planned for demolition due to its emergency condition.' This sparked concern among the public and heritage preservation organizations.
Court Rulings and Next Steps
In September 2025, the Commercial Cassation Court within the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Kyiv City Council and the prosecutor’s office regarding the Holosiiv Water Tower site, annulling an additional agreement that had allowed the developer, LLC MZHK Obolon, to erect buildings on the monument’s grounds. However, in November 2025, the Commercial Court of Kyiv dismissed a separate prosecutor’s claim seeking to return the land under the Holosiiv Water Tower to state ownership. Following these events, the tower remained behind the construction fence, raising further questions about its future.
As a result, the legal battle over the tower’s territory continues, and the issue of finalizing a preservation agreement remains unresolved. Given the current circumstances, the next moves by the prosecutor’s office and the property manager could significantly impact the preservation of this cultural heritage asset.
The situation surrounding the Water Tower in Kyiv’s Holosiiv district illustrates the complex struggle to preserve cultural heritage amid urban development. The ongoing court case and the prosecutor’s active role underscore the importance of protecting historic structures from unjustified construction.
Meanwhile, the court’s upcoming decisions may prove decisive in determining the fate of this architectural landmark and its long-term protection.
As the legal proceedings regarding the Holosiiv Water Tower unfold, similar cases highlight the ongoing challenges in preserving Ukraine's cultural heritage. For instance, a recent court decision has resulted in the return of land valued at UAH 167 million to the National Academy of Sciences, emphasizing the importance of protecting historical sites against development pressures. Understanding these developments can provide insight into the broader context of heritage conservation efforts in the country. For more details on this significant ruling, refer to our coverage of the land return case involving the National Academy of Sciences.