The Ukrainian Orthodox Church issued a statement following the Russian attack on the Assumption Cathedral at the Lavra
During a massive nighttime attack on Kyiv on the night of June 15, a shell struck the Assumption Cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, causing a fire to break out on the roof of the cathedral. The fire engulfed a significant area, and part of the complex’s historic structures sustained damage, but firefighters managed to quickly contain the blaze.
The incident was yet another blow to one of the country’s most important spiritual symbols, according to an official statement from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
On the night of June 15, 2026, Kyiv endured a massive airstrike, during which strikes were recorded on the territory of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, specifically at the Assumption Cathedral, where a massive fire broke out on the roof following the strike, covering approximately 800 square meters, and required an immediate response from emergency services.
According to preliminary data, a kamikaze drone struck the altar area of one of the cathedral’s side chapels, causing a fire and damage to the roof structure, as well as additional damage to at least five other structures within the Lavra complex. Separately, it is reported that during a second attack, the Tower of John the Gardener was damaged, causing the dome with a cross to fall from the structure, which further complicated the situation within the historic site.
Rescue services from the State Emergency Service promptly arrived at the scene and were able to contain and completely extinguish the fire on the cathedral’s roof, preventing the fire from spreading to other parts of the shrine, which, according to eyewitnesses, prevented much more extensive damage.
The Assumption Cathedral, which had been restored after the destruction of previous decades and re-consecrated in 2000, has once again found itself in the spotlight due to damage sustained during the hostilities, and experts are now assessing the extent of the damage and the possibility of further restoration.
The Lavra’s monastic community has called for prayers for the monastery and all those affected, emphasizing that the shrine has once again suffered destruction as a result of an attack targeting one of Ukraine’s most important spiritual centers.
Two Russian drones deliberately attacked the Lavra and the Art Arsenal – Zelenskyy
The State Emergency Service released the names of the rescuers who died as a result of the strike on Kharkiv
As a reminder, Russia attacked the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, causing a fire.
Prior to this, Russian drones struck the Zaporizhzhia region, leaving several people injured.
Rescue workers from the State Emergency Service were killed as a result of the Russian attack on Kharkiv.
