Russian strike ignites fire at Kyiv’s historic Pechersk Lavra

A coordinated Russian air assault on Kyiv overnight from Sunday to Monday hit the Pechersk Lavra, a UNESCO‑listed Orthodox monastery founded in 1051. A drone strike caused a fire that engulfed approximately 800 m² of the Dormition Cathedral’s roof and spread to the nearby Arsenal of Arts cultural complex. Ukrainian officials reported four fatalities and 24 injured, including civilians and rescuers. Icons and other sacred objects were rescued, but the monastery’s historic film‑costume collection was destroyed.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha condemned the attack, writing on X, “Putin should be cursed for eternity and will lose this war.” Prime Minister Julia Swyrydenko called it “the brutal face of Russian values.” Russia’s defence ministry later claimed the building was hit by a mis‑fired Patriot missile, a narrative rejected by Kyiv and Western allies.

The strike also damaged power lines, leaving around 140 000 residents without electricity, and caused additional casualties in Kharkiv and other cities during the broader bombardment.