Russian strike sets Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery ablaze, cuts power to 140,000

A Russian air attack struck the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, a UNESCO World Heritage monastery in Ukraine’s capital. The strike ignited the roof of the Dormition Cathedral, causing a large fire that spread to nearby structures and a multi‑storey building.

Local officials reported at least four deaths and more than twenty injuries, including a woman in serious condition. Six people were injured according to some reports. The attack also damaged electricity lines, leaving roughly 140,000 Kyiv residents without power.

Emergency crews worked to extinguish flames covering about 800 sq m of the cathedral roof and over 1,000 sq m of a cultural‑art complex. Bishop Avramije confirmed that historic icons, relics and other liturgical items were rescued and are safe. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko described the outages and fires, while the city’s military administration chief Timur Tkačenko urged residents to seek shelters.

The incident provoked condemnation from religious leaders, with Metropolitan Epiphany calling it “another Russian crime against humanity, against history, against Christianity.” The strike underscored the ongoing targeting of Ukraine’s cultural heritage amid the war.