Russian strike damages Kyiv's UNESCO-listed Lavra complex
Fire at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra following the Russian attack (photo: facebook.com/berezhna.tetyana)
Damage was recorded at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra during a combined Russian attack on Kyiv. Among the damaged sites was the Dormition Cathedral, according to Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy, Tetyana Berezhna.
"This is very difficult 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," the statement said.
At the same time, Bishop Avraamii wrote on Facebook that an emergency evacuation of sacred relics and liturgical items was organized at the Lavra following the overnight Russian attack. These included ancient icons, antimins cloths, and other valuables.
Tetyana Berezhna clarified that the Russians damaged the Dormition Cathedral. Relevant services are currently carrying out measures to contain the consequences in accordance with safety protocols. After that, it will be possible to assess the scale of the damage.
"Thanks to the coordinated actions of the Lavra's brotherhood, everyone involved, as well as the dedicated work of rescue and firefighting units, it was possible to minimize threats to people and preserve the holy relics," she added.
Fire at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra following the Russian attack (photo: Tetyana Berezhna/Facebook)
Fire at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra following the Russian attack (photo: Tetyana Berezhna/Facebook)
Fire at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra following the Russian attack (photo: Tetyana Berezhna/Facebook)
Fire at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra following the Russian attack (photo: Tetyana Berezhna/Facebook)
Fire at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra following the Russian attack (photo: Tetyana Berezhna/Facebook)
Meanwhile, Tetyana Berezhna noted that the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra is included on the list of sites under enhanced protection under the Second Protocol to the 1954 Hague Convention. She said that an attack on this site is one of the gravest crimes against the world's cultural heritage.
"When the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra comes under attack, this 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 the world's cultural heritage," Berezhna concluded.
Attack on Kyiv
Russia launched a combined attack on Ukraine overnight, with Kyiv being the main target. The enemy used drones, ballistic weapons, and cruise missiles in the attack.
As a result of the attack, damage was recorded in at least several districts of Kyiv.
