Kyiv's Pechersk Lavra monastery ablaze after Russian missile attack

A large‑scale Russian missile and drone strike hit Kyiv on Monday, igniting a fire at the historic Pechersk Lavra monastery complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The blaze damaged the Cathedral of the Dormition and other churches, and caused extensive damage to civilian infrastructure across several districts.

Ukrainian officials reported at least four deaths and more than 20 injuries, including two children, while rescuers fighting the fire also suffered casualties. The attack left about 140,000 households without electricity in northern Kyiv. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said five emergency workers were killed and several more wounded. Kyiv’s military administration head, Tymur Tkachenko, confirmed multiple missile impacts on residential buildings and markets, describing the assault as “deliberate”.

Ukrainian leaders condemned the strike as a crime against humanity and cultural heritage, with the Ministry of Culture stating the Russians “damaged the Cathedral of the Dormition”. The incident follows President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump about ending the war.