Explosions rocked Kyiv at night as part of a large-scale combined attack. As a result of the strike on the territory of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, serious damage was recorded. At the center of the tragedy was the Dormition Cathedral — one of the main spiritual symbols of Ukraine and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Strike on a World Heritage Site
Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy, Tatyana Berezhna, confirmed the fact of the attack in her statement. According to her, this is "very heavy news." Russia attacked a territory that is not just a religious center but also an outstanding monument of culture of world significance.
Tatyana Berezhna emphasized that the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra is under enhanced protection in accordance with the Second Protocol to the 1954 Hague Convention. An attack on such an object is classified as a grave crime against the cultural heritage of mankind. Authorities are calling on the international community to increase pressure on the RF, which continues to deliberately destroy Ukrainian values.
Evacuation of Relics and Rescue Operations
In the first hours after the start of the attack, an emergency evacuation was organized in the Lavra. Bishop Avraamy reported that the monastery brethren and rescuers acted in a coordinated manner to evacuate ancient icons, antimins, and other liturgical items that could have burned in the fire.
Thanks to the selfless work of fire departments, it was possible to minimize the threat to human life and preserve a significant part of the relics. Currently, relevant services are working at the site to localize the consequences. A full assessment of the scale of the damage can only be made after the completion of emergency restoration work.