On the night of June 15, Kyiv was subjected to a massive combined strike, resulting in damage to one of the main Christian shrines — the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. According to the National Reserve, the complex territory has been closed to visitors, and rescuers continue to eliminate the consequences of the attack.
Damage to Historical Buildings
During the night shelling, a "Shahed" type drone hit the Stefan Chapel — the altar part of the Dormition Cathedral. A fire broke out in this area, which is being extinguished by employees of the State Emergency Service (SES). The Tower of John the Cook — a defensive structure from the 17th–18th centuries, which is part of the fortification complex of the Upper Lavra — was also damaged.
Reaction of Authorities and the Church
Metropolitan Epiphany, in his social networks, called the strike a "Russian crime against humanity, against history, against Christianity." He called on believers to pray for the salvation of the shrine and demanded decisive action from the international community against "Russian terror".
Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiha called the attack an act of barbarism. According to him, Vladimir Putin has "forever inscribed his name in the list of the worst barbarians in history." Sybiha stated that Russia has already surpassed ISIS in the number of crimes against cultural heritage and emphasized that Ukraine will initiate corresponding procedures within the framework of UNESCO and other international organizations.
Scale of the Night Attack on Kyiv
The night attack on the capital of Ukraine became part of a large-scale operation, during which, according to RBC-Ukraine, about 70 missiles and 611 unmanned aerial vehicles were used. Among the weapons used were hypersonic "Zircon" missiles and ballistic missiles.
As a result of the strikes, residential buildings, architectural monuments, and people were damaged. The number of victims of the attack on Kyiv reached 30 people. The Kyiv region was also affected: buildings were damaged, and a child was among the injured. There is also separate news of a strike on the Dovzhenko Film Studio, where fire destroyed the largest and oldest costume collection in Ukraine.
Situation on the Ground
At the moment, emergency rescue work in the Lavra continues. The exact dates for the resumption of the reserve's work for visitors are not yet known. The territory remains closed until all measures to eliminate the consequences and ensure safety are completed.