A series of Russian attacks with missiles and drones killed at least 9 people in Ukraine this Monday (June 15, 2026) and caused a fire in the Dormition Cathedral, built in the 11th century. The temple is part of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastic complex, in Kiev, recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Images released by emergency services showed flames near the cathedral’s towers and domes. Firefighters worked to fight the fire. According to the journalist, 6 people were injured at the scene.
The Prime Minister of Ukraine, Yulia Svyrydenko, classified the episode as a “brutal attack against” the people and heritage of the country. The Minister of Culture, Tetyana Berezhna, confirmed the damage to the cathedral, according to journalists Victoria Butenko and , from .
Watch a video showing the fire (12s):
Right now, as Russians continue to strike with over a dozen of ballistic missiles, the Dormition Cathedral of Kyiv‑Pechersk Lavra — a UNESCO World Heritage site and priceless cultural landmark — has been struck and is burning.
A brutal assault on our people and our…— Yulia Svyrydenko (@Svyrydenko_Y)
The religious complex was founded in the 11th century and brings together churches above and underground. UNESCO describes it as a masterpiece of Ukrainian art. Relics of saints have been buried in the caves over the centuries.
The site entered the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2023 because of the risk of destruction related to the Russian offensive. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said the government would initiate proceedings at UNESCO and other international bodies to seek a response to the damage.
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky (Servant of the People, center), said that Russia used 70 missiles and 611 drones against the country. The Ukrainian stated that the fire on the roof of the Dormition Cathedral had already been put out and classified the bombing of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra complex as “one of Russia’s most serious crimes against Christian culture to date”.
Zelensky asked for a response from the G7 countries, meeting in France. “It is very important that there is a decisive and concrete response: more pressure on the aggressor and more support for Ukraine’s air defense, especially its capabilities against ballistic missiles”he declared.
The attacks were carried out before the G7 meeting, at which the war in Ukraine is expected to be among the topics discussed. On Sunday (June 14), Zelensky said he had spoken with the president of the United States, (Republican Party), about negotiations to end the conflict.
Around 140,000 properties in the northern region of Kiev were left without electricity, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko. Air raid warnings were sounded across much of Ukrainian territory.
In Kharkiv, in the northeast of the country, 5 rescue team members died while trying to put out a fire caused by a Russian attack. Another 5 people were injured.
Poland has mobilized fighter jets and placed ground-based air defense systems and radars on standby as a preventive measure.
Russian officials also said Ukrainian drones killed 3 people and injured 3 others in the city of Tula, south of Moscow. Among the injured is a 1-year-old child.
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