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Russian attack on Ukraine’s capital Kyiv has left the historic monastery Pechersk Lavra, a major pilgrimage site, on fire. Five people were killed, several injured.
Russia attacked Ukrainian capital Kyiv, which has caused a massive fire at the historic Pechersk Lavra monastery. (Image source: Reuters)
A Russian attack on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv has left a prominent monastery complex, right in the center of the city, on fire, according to local authorities quoted by CNN. More than a dozen people have been injured in the attack.
Pechersk Lavra, the monastery complex that has been affected, is a UNESCO-listed Heritage site. It traces its roots back to almost 1,000 years. Images coming from Kyiv showed the monastery engulfed in an intense fire.
The images released by Ukraine’s emergency services showed firefighters trying to bring the fire, covering the towers and domes of the complex’s Dormition Cathedral, under control.
Tetyana Berezhna, Minister of Culture of Ukraine, blamed Russians for damaging the Cathedral of the Dormition in a statement, according to the report cited above.
In another statement issued by the Metropolitan Epiphanius of Kyiv and All Ukraine called for “prayers for the salvation of the shrine from destruction”.
“Another Russian crime against humanity, against history, against Christianity,” the statement further said.
The report noted a CNN journalist, present in Kyiv, had informed of hearing multiple explosions earlier.
As per the head of the Kyiv city military administration, Tymur Tkachenko, at least four people have been slain and more than 20 injured in this attack on the city.
Importantly, this attack has also left around 1,40,000 households in the city’s northern part without electricity, Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said.
All About This Historic Monastery
In 2023, Kyiv Pechersk Lavra was added to the World Heritage in Danger list “due to the threat of destruction that the Russian offensive poses.”
Built in the 11th century, the monastery comprises a complex network of underground churches. It is a major spiritual and cultural center for many Ukrainians who undertake a pilgrimage to this site. UNESCO describes this monastery as a “masterpiece of Ukrainian art” in its listing.
Furthermore, the relics of saints have been buried in these caves over the centuries, UNESCO’s list says.
Russia-Ukraine War
Another five people have also been killed in Russian bombardment of the northeastern city of Kharkiv, according to the Interior Minister of the country Ihor Klymenko. Five other people were injured, he informed.
This attack on Ukraine’s capital came following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s conversation with the US President Donald J. Trump. The two leaders discussed efforts to bring this war, which was initiated by Russia four years ago, to an end, the Ukrainian President reportedly said.
The US President had spoken with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Sunday, as per Kremlin.
“All Ukrainians have one wish for President Trump: that we may finally achieve peace, and achieve this success together with the U.S. and all our partners,” Zelensky said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
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