Fire at centuries-old UNESCO monastery after Russian attacks on Kyiv: 'Attack on our people and heritage'

A fire erupted at the historic Pechersk Lavra monastery in Kyiv, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in the wake of a massive Russian aerial assault on the Ukrainian capital. The blaze reportedly engulfed parts of the Dormition Cathedral, a central structure within the ancient monastic complex, prompting an emergency response to bring the flames under control.

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The roof of one of the holiest places in the world is on fire.

The monastery, with origins stretching back over a millennium, holds significant cultural and religious importance for Ukraine and the Orthodox Christian community. This is not the first time the complex has faced damage; historical records indicate destruction from earthquakes and various occupations. Notably, the Dormition Cathedral was destroyed by the Soviet Union during World War II, with Nazi Germany initially blamed for the devastation.

Ukrainian officials reacted with outrage to the attacks and the subsequent fire. The leader of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine lamented the burning of "one of the holiest places in the world." Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko denounced the incident as a "cruel attack on our people and our heritage," questioning Russia's adherence to Orthodox values.

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This is a cruel attack on our people and our heritage. This is the true image of the Orthodox values that Russia adheres to.

Beyond the monastery, the Russian attacks inflicted widespread damage across Ukraine. In Kyiv, at least four people were killed and 23 injured, with residential buildings hit by drones and missiles. Power outages affected over 140,000 people. In Kharkiv, five rescue workers died and five others were injured. Attacks were also reported in the Dnipropetrovsk and Sumy regions, contributing to what is described as one of the most severe nights of assaults this month.

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Five rescuers died in the city of Kharkiv - in northeastern Ukraine. 5 other people were injured.