Kyiv's Dormition Cathedral preserved after Russian attack: Switzerland steps in to help with repairs
Photo: The Dormition Cathedral of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra (Getty Images)
The Dormition Cathedral of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, which suffered the most damage during the Russian drone attack, has been placed under preservation to protect it from weather damage. A plan for its full restoration is now being prepared, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Restoration efforts and partner assistance
According to the head of state, the initial work on the site has already been completed. Further restoration will be a joint task for several relevant agencies.
"Work to preserve the Dormition Cathedral, which sustained the most severe damage from Russian drones, has already been completed. The cathedral’s roof has been covered to prevent further deterioration due to weather conditions. We are preparing for the cathedral’s restoration, which is now the responsibility of, among others, Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture and the Foreign Ministry," Zelenskyy said.
The President also stressed that international partners will help finance the repair work. Relevant agreements were reached during recent diplomatic meetings.
"During my recent meeting with the President of Switzerland, we agreed that our partners would support the initial restoration efforts. It is important that the final result is also properly secured," he added.
Border security and the frontline situation
In addition to the situation at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko briefed the President on the work of State Emergency Service rescuers and other Interior Ministry units involved in dealing with the aftermath of enemy strikes in other regions of Ukraine.
Particular attention was also paid to defense tasks being carried out by the National Guard, the National Police, and the State Border Guard Service directly on the front line.
The minister also reported on measures to protect and secure the northern sections of Ukraine’s state border.
Attack on the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra
During Russia’s massive attack on Ukraine on the night of June 15, 2026, Russian forces carried out a deliberate strike on the historic center of the capital. The main targets were sites in the area of Kyiv where the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra and the Mystetskyi Arsenal cultural complex are located.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) later identified that Russia used Geran-2 drones — the Russian version of Iran’s Shahed kamikaze drones. Fragments of the drone’s fuselage and engine were found at the impact site in the St. Stephen’s Chapel of the Dormition Cathedral.
The drone struck directly in the center of the cathedral’s roof at around 1:30 a.m., sparking a major fire that spread across 800 square meters. The blaze severely damaged the wooden structures of the dome and the upper vaults. The religious landmark was ultimately saved.
To see the scale of the destruction and find out whether the shrine's valuable ancient relics survived, read the report by RBC-Ukraine.
