Russia struck the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra: the Assumption Cathedral was damaged, a large fire broke out, photos and videos

The massive combined night attack by Russia on Kyiv affected one of Ukraine's most significant spiritual and cultural landmarks. As a result of the hostile strike, a large fire broke out on the territory of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, the Assumption Cathedral was damaged, and the monastery brethren were forced to urgently evacuate the shrines and church valuables.

According to preliminary data from city authorities, the fire was caused by a direct hit. Rescuers localized the fire on the roof of the cathedral, while specialists continue to assess the extent of the damage on the site, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list and is under international protection.

Fire at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra after the Russian attack

During the massive night attack on Kyiv, a fire broke out on the territory of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. This was reported by Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klychko, Head of the Kyiv City Military Administration Timur Tkachenko, and the State Emergency Service.

According to Vitaliy Klychko, the fire occurred on the Lavra's territory, specifically on the roof of the Assumption Cathedral.

Head of the Kyiv City Military Administration Timur Tkachenko stated that, according to preliminary information, the fire was caused by a direct hit.

"Fire in the buildings on the territory of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra has been confirmed. Preliminary cause — a direct hit. We are currently determining the extent of the damage caused by the Russians. Measures are being taken to localize the fire within safety protocols," he said.

Later, Tkachenko reported significant damage on the territory of the shrine.

"According to operational information, the damage on the Lavra's territory is substantial, and there is a serious fire. The Russians deliberately struck the heart of one of the largest Christian shrines," emphasized the head of the Kyiv City Military Administration.

The Assumption Cathedral was damaged

According to the State Emergency Service, the fire engulfed the roof of the Assumption Cathedral. The fire area was about 800 square meters.

Photos of the fire on the Lavra's territory were published by the spokesperson of the Kyiv Metropolis of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Yevstratiy (Zorya). Later, the National Reserve Kyiv Pechersk Lavra published photos of the fire extinguishing efforts.

Deputy Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy Tetyana Berezhna reported that the Assumption Cathedral was damaged as a result of the Russian strike.

"Very bad news. Russia attacked the territory of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra — a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most significant spiritual and cultural landmarks of Ukraine and the world," she said.

Evacuation of shrines and church valuables

Bishop Avraamiy reported that after the night attack, an urgent evacuation of shrines and liturgical items was organized on the Lavra's territory.

In particular, measures were taken to preserve ancient icons, antiminses, and other valuables.

According to Tetyana Berezhna, after the initial work to eliminate the consequences is completed, specialists will be able to assess the real scale of the damage.

She also emphasized that thanks to the coordinated actions of the Lavra brethren, relevant service workers, rescuers, and firefighters, the threats to people were minimized and a significant part of the shrines was preserved.

The Kyiv Pechersk Lavra is under international protection

Tetyana Berezhna reminded that the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra is included in the list of sites under enhanced protection according to the Second Protocol to the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict.

According to her, an attack on such a site is one of the gravest crimes against world cultural heritage.

"When the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra is under attack, it is not only about Ukraine. It is about heritage that belongs to all humanity. We call on the international community to increase pressure on Russia, which continues to deliberately attack Ukrainians and world cultural heritage," said the Deputy Prime Minister.

Massive attack on Kyiv

On the night of June 15, Russia carried out a combined attack on Ukraine, with Kyiv as the main target. The enemy used strike drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles for the attack.

As a result of the shelling, damage was recorded in at least several districts of the capital.

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