Russian missile strikes hit Kyiv, burn historic Pechersk Lavra and kill rescuers in Kharkiv

Russian forces launched a large‑scale missile and rocket attack on Ukraine’s capital Kyiv, killing four civilians and wounding more than two dozen people. The strike cut power to around 140,000 households and ignited a fire at the UNESCO‑listed Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, damaging the roof of the Uspenskiy Cathedral and prompting the evacuation of historic icons and relics.

In the eastern city of Kharkiv, repeated Russian shelling caused a blaze that trapped fire‑fighters; five rescuers died and five more were injured while attempting to control the fire. The attacks also hit the city of Dnipro, injuring at least one person. Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko warned that the extensive air raids continued to inflict serious damage on civilian infrastructure and urged residents to stay in safe locations.