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Ukraine's historic Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery set on fire after major Russian attack
🇪🇬 Egypt /Conflict & Security

Ukraine's historic Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery set on fire after major Russian attack

From Egypt Independent · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • A major Russian attack overnight set fire to Ukraine's historic Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery complex.
  • The UNESCO-listed site, nearly 1,000 years old, suffered damage to its Dormition Cathedral.
  • Ukrainian President Zelensky urged the G7 to respond decisively with increased pressure on Russia and support for Ukraine's air defense.

Ukraine's revered Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, caught fire following a significant Russian overnight assault on the capital. The attack, which killed at least four people and wounded over a dozen, saw flames engulf parts of the nearly 1,000-year-old monastic site.

Images depicted firefighters battling the blaze beneath the towers and domes of the Dormition Cathedral. Ukraine's Air Force reported that Russia launched 611 long-range strike UAVs and 70 missiles. Emergency services indicated that the fire affected approximately 800 square meters of the Dormition Cathedral's roof, with further damage reported in another building within the complex.

Another Russian crime against humanity, against history, against Christianity.

— Metropolitan Epiphanius of Kyiv and All UkraineCondemning the attack on the historic monastery.

The Metropolitan Epiphanius of Kyiv and All Ukraine condemned the incident as "another Russian crime against humanity, against history, against Christianity," and called for prayers for the shrine's salvation.

This is how Russia shows the world its intention to continue the war. It is very important that there be a response from the G7 countries… and that this response be decisive and substantive: more pressure on the aggressor and more support for Ukraine’s air defense

— Volodymyr ZelenskyUrging the G7 to take decisive action against Russia following the attack.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the international community, urging a swift and substantial response from G7 leaders meeting in Évian, France. He stated that the attack demonstrated Russia's intent to continue the war and called for "more pressure on the aggressor and more support for Ukraine’s air defense."

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed these sentiments, condemning Russia's "heavy attacks" and promising dialogue among leaders. The Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, founded in the 11th century, was already listed as a World Heritage in Danger site due to the threats posed by the ongoing conflict.

Today, G7 leaders meet in Évian. We will discuss the next steps to increase pressure on Russia, bring (Russian President Vladimir) Putin to the negotiating table, and end this senseless killing

— Ursula von der LeyenAddressing the G7 meeting and the need for increased pressure on Russia.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Egypt Independent in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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