Ukraine was once again targeted overnight by a massive Russian attack involving missiles and drones, with explosions echoing across Kyiv and several other cities in the country. According to initial reports, at least nine people have been killed, the Guardian reports.
Among the struck sites is the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra – one of the most important Orthodox monasteries and cultural landmarks in Ukraine, dating back to the 11th century and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Residential buildings in several parts of the capital were also hit in the attack.
Footage published by media outlets shows fires and thick smoke rising over the complex, while emergency crews attempt to bring the blaze under control. Reports say at least six people were injured in the strike on the Lavra.
Ukrainian church leader Metropolitan Epiphanius described the attack as a blow to one of Christianity’s holiest sites, stressing that the destruction of cultural heritage requires a firm international response.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko posted photos of the damaged monastery on the social platform X, condemning the attack as a strike on Ukraine’s history, religion, and identity.
“This is the true face of Russian Orthodox values… another crime against humanity and history,” she wrote.
She later stated that Kyiv was the main target of the attack and that damage had been recorded in almost all districts of the city. According to her, in addition to residential buildings, cultural heritage sites were also hit, including the Assumption Cathedral of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, the Mystetskyi Arsenal, and the Oleksandr Dovzhenko Film Studio.
The Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery, founded in 1051, is considered one of the oldest and most important Orthodox sanctuaries of the Eastern Slavs and is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Ukrainian authorities said the attacks caused significant casualties and major material damage, while rescue services continue operations at multiple locations.
