Deadly Russian strikes hit Ukraine, setting historic Kyiv cathedral ablaze

Russia unleashed a barrage of missiles on Ukrainian cities Monday, striking Kyiv and igniting a blaze at the Dormition Cathedral, a revered Orthodox site within the UNESCO World Heritage Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra complex. The attacks killed at least 11 people across the country, with five fatalities and 34 injuries reported in the capital alone.

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This is one of Russia's most serious crimes against Christian culture to date.

Residents in Kyiv scrambled for shelter as missiles were intercepted and debris rained down. Firefighters battled flames engulfing the cathedral's roof, a structure of immense significance to Orthodox believers in both Ukraine and Russia, founded in the 11th century. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy decried the strike as one of Russia's "most serious crimes against Christian culture."

Russia's military claimed it targeted military sites in Kyiv and other regions but denied intentionally striking the Lavra. Moscow asserted, without providing evidence, that an outdated U.S. Patriot missile downed the Lavra. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot likened the attack to the bombing of Notre Dame in Paris, while President Emmanuel Macron stated it reinforced allies' resolve for a ceasefire and peace.

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The attack was the equivalent ... of a bombing of Notre Dame.

Ukraine's air force reported that Russia fired 70 missiles and 611 drones, primarily targeting the capital, though Ukraine claimed to have intercepted most of them. Zelenskyy appealed to G7 leaders, meeting in France, for a "decisive and substantive" response, demanding increased pressure on Russia and enhanced air defense support for Ukraine, particularly anti-ballistic capabilities.

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You cannot strik