An event has occurred in Kyiv that has already been classified by law enforcement agencies as a war crime. Russian occupiers launched a targeted strike on the historic center of the capital, where the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and the 'Mystetskyi Arsenal' cultural center are located. The attack was part of a large-scale combined operation during which Russian forces used 'Geran-2' drones.
Precision of the Strike and Consequences
As confirmed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, two Russian drones were targeted specifically at this part of the city. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) established that one of the unmanned aerial vehicles struck the Stefanovskyi Chapel of the Dormition Cathedral within the Lavra grounds. As a result of the impact, a fire broke out in the cult building, and debris of the enemy device's fuselage and engine were found at the site of the strike.
Evidence of Production in the Russian Federation
An examination of the debris conducted by investigators revealed critically important details. The analysis showed that certain components of the drone were manufactured on the territory of Russia. In particular, markings indicating production in the 'Alabuga' special economic zone were found on fragments of the fuselage. This confirms the direct involvement of Russian industrial capacities in the creation of weapons used to attack civilian and cultural objects.
Scale of Destruction and Casualties
The night attack on Kyiv was not limited to the strike on the Lavra. Russian forces struck residential buildings, cultural heritage sites, and civilian infrastructure. According to the latest data, five people were killed and another 34 were injured in the capital as a result of the shelling. The Kyiv region was also hit, where a child was injured and residential buildings were damaged.
Particular damage was inflicted on the Alexander Dovzhenko National Film Studio. The fire caused by the strike destroyed the largest and oldest collection of stage costumes in Ukraine, which is an irreparable loss for the national cinema.
Criminal Proceedings
SBU investigators have already initiated criminal proceedings under Part 1 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. This step indicates a serious approach to the investigation of the incident, which is viewed as the intentional destruction of cultural heritage and an attack on the civilian population.