Inside the Race to Save One of Ukraine’s Holiest Sites From a Russian Strike
A Russian drone attack caused a fire at the 975-year-old Dormition Cathedral. The strike was part of a larger barrage that killed at least 11 people. Intelligence analysis indicates the target was hit intentionally.
What changed
New analysis from Terrecon suggests the attack on the monastery was a deliberate act.
Live updates
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Analysis Suggests Deliberate Russian Strike on Kyiv Pechersk Lavra
confidence 90%A Russian drone attack caused a fire at the 975-year-old Dormition Cathedral. The strike was part of a larger barrage that killed at least 11 people. Intelligence analysis indicates the target was hit intentionally.
What's confirmed:
- A Russian drone attack ignited a fire at the Dormition Cathedral of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra.
- The Kyiv Pechersk Lavra is a 975-year-old monastery complex.
- A missile and drone barrage early last week killed at least 11 people.
- Russia has targeted Ukrainian religious and cultural sites since February 2022.
Still unconfirmed:
- Terrecon intelligence analysis concluded the strike on the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra was deliberate.
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Greece Pledges Aid After Russian Strike on Kyiv Pechersk Lavra
confidence 90%A Russian drone attack ignited a roof fire at the Dormition Cathedral, pushing total cultural heritage damage beyond $3 billion. Bishop Avraamiy led a rescue team to save relics from the burning structure. Greece has since committed to supporting the restoration of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
What's confirmed:
- A Russian drone strike caused a roof fire at the Dormition Cathedral.
- Bishop Avraamiy organized a team of rescuers and clergymen to remove relics from the building.
- Greece is supporting the restoration of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra.
Still unconfirmed:
- War damage to Ukrainian cultural sites has exceeded $3 billion.
- Pyotr Stolypin is buried in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
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Ukraine Seeks International Action After Russian Strikes on Pechersk Lavra
confidence 100%Russian forces launched two targeted strikes against the Dormition Cathedral of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra on June 15. One drone hit the cathedral center while another struck the Ivan Kushchnyk Tower and Mystetskyi Arsenal museum complex. President Volodymyr Zelensky described the attack as one of the largest Russian crimes against Christian culture.
What's confirmed:
- Russia carried out two targeted strikes aimed at destroying the Dormition Cathedral on June 15.
- One drone hit the center of the cathedral.
- The second strike hit the Ivan Kushchnyk Tower and the Mystetskyi Arsenal museum complex.
- Icons and relics were removed from the lavra to protect them from fire.
Still unconfirmed:
- Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated Ukraine would seek action from UNESCO and other international bodies regarding the attack.
- Director general Maksym Ostapenko attributed the strikes to Russia.
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Russian Strike Damages Dormition Cathedral in Kyiv
confidence 95%A Russian attack on June 15 struck the Dormition Cathedral at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a UNESCO world heritage site. The strike caused a fire that tore through the roof and resulted in extensive damage. Rescuers and clergymen worked to recover holy items and relics from the burning monastery.
What's confirmed:
- The Dormition Cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra suffered extensive damage during a Russian attack on June 15.
- The strike ignited a fire that tore through the roof of the cathedral.
- The Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra is a UNESCO world heritage site.
- Residential buildings in Kyiv were also targeted during the same wave of attacks.
- Clergymen and rescuers recovered holy items and relics from the church.
Still unconfirmed:
- The attack was a Russian attempt to eradicate Ukrainian identity.
- The strike was a result of growing Russian desperation.