Russian drone attack reduces 18th-century Ukrainian church to ashes

Russian drone attacks have reduced the 18th-century Cossack Church of St. Vvedensky in Beryslav, Kherson region, to ashes. The historic wooden structure, a symbol of the city's heritage for nearly three centuries, was completely destroyed by fire on Sunday, August 2nd.

Photographs shared by the local news outlet Most reveal the extent of the devastation. The church, nicknamed "the wooden church" by locals, was originally intended for Perevolochna but was moved to its current location in the mid-19th century. It served as a repository during the Bolshevik era before religious services resumed during World War II.

Oleksandre Alchiev, head of the Beryslav military administration, lamented the loss of this "unique architectural monument of national importance." The destruction has deeply affected many Ukrainians. An NGO based in Lviv has launched an online appeal for detailed images of the church to create a digital model for its potential reconstruction.

Despite surviving previous Russian strikes, the church's destruction comes after local authorities had requested the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy to take over its management, a request that went unanswered. The region of Kherson was largely occupied by Russian forces early in the invasion, and Ukrainian troops have since liberated significant parts of this strategic area leading to Crimea.

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This church was a cornerstone of our city's history for nearly three centuries.