Damage to the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra from Russian shelling has been assessed

A strike by a Russian Shahed drone caused significant damage to the Assumption Cathedral and 17 other sites within the reserve, including Ivan Kushnyk’s tower and parts of the fortification complex. As a result, recovery and restoration work—assuming a positive outcome—could take about two years and cost over 500 million hryvnias.

The most severe damage was recorded on the cathedral’s roof, where over 80% of the structure was destroyed; however, the building’s foundation and the iconostasis remained intact. 

Within the first hour after the attack, specialists evacuated ancient icons, liturgical objects, and other sacred items, while fire departments prevented the fire from spreading inside the church. The main financial resources will be allocated to the construction of a new roof, the restoration of the domes, gilding work, and the replacement of damaged utilities. Currently, the reserve’s management is considering safe tour routes to resume visits to the Lavra during the repair work.

This was announced at a press conference by Maksym Ostapenko, director general of the national reserve, according to Interfax-Ukraine.

As a reminder, Russia attacked the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, causing a fire.

Switzerland will join efforts to restore the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, which was damaged by a Russian strike on June 15.