Ukraine identifies Russian drones used in strike on Kyiv monastery
Fragments of a Russian attack drone (photo: Getty Images)
Russian forces deliberately targeted the part of Kyiv where the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra and Mystetskyi Arsenal are located, using Geran-2 drones, according to a statement from Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"It has been confirmed that two Russian drones deliberately attacked the part of the city where the Lavra and Mystetskyi Arsenal are located," the head of state emphasized.
The SBU established that Russia struck the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra with a Geran-2 drone, which is the Russian version of the Iranian-made Shahed kamikaze drone.
Fragments of the drone's fuselage and engine were found at the impact site. The drone struck the St. Stephen's Chapel of the Dormition Cathedral on the territory of the Lavra.
Fragments of a Russian Geran-2 kamikaze drone recovered at the attack site (photo: Security Service of Ukraine)
Fragments of a Russian Geran-2 kamikaze drone recovered at the attack site (photo: Security Service of Ukraine)
Fragments of a Russian Geran-2 kamikaze drone recovered at the attack site (photo: Security Service of Ukraine)
Analysis of the debris showed that some of its components were manufactured in Russia's Alabuga Special Economic Zone. In particular, this is evidenced by the corresponding markings found on fragments of the Russian drone.
SBU investigators classified the strike as a war crime and have already opened criminal proceedings under Part 1 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
In addition, Russian forces carried out a massive combined attack on Kyiv overnight. The Kyiv Pechersk Lavra came under attack, and a fire broke out in the Dormition Cathedral.
Residential buildings, cultural heritage sites, and civilian infrastructure were also damaged. According to the latest data, 34 people were injured, and five people were killed in the capital.
The Kyiv region also came under attack. Residential buildings were damaged in the region, and a child was among the injured.
The Oleksandr Dovzhenko National Film Studio was also damaged as a result of the Russian strike. A fire destroyed the largest and oldest collection of stage costumes in Ukraine.
