Russian drone hits UNESCO-listed Kyiv Pechersk Lavra's Assumption Cathedral, site temporarily closed
According to Ostapenko, around 1 a.m. the drone hit the St. Stephen's side chapel of the Dormition Cathedral.
As a result of the attack, there were no casualties or injuries. Sacred objects, including icons, antimension cloths, and liturgical items, had been evacuated beforehand.
Work is currently underway to eliminate the consequences of the strike and assess the extent of the damage.
In addition, the preserve also reported that due to the massive Russian attack on the night of June 15, which caused significant damage to the National Preserve "Kyiv Pechersk Lavra", the site has been temporarily closed to visitors.
Alongside the drone strike on the Dormition Cathedral, a second attempted strike damaged the Tower of John Calybite — a defensive structure dating back to the 17th-18th centuries that is part of the Upper Lavra's fortification complex.
Emergency response and recovery operations at the preserve are ongoing. To ensure public safety and protect cultural heritage sites, access to the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra has been restricted until all necessary works are completed.
The date for reopening the site will be announced separately.
Meanwhile, Ukraine is initiating relevant procedures within UNESCO and other international mechanisms, demanding an "immediate and adequate response" to the Russian strike, which caused significant damage to buildings at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra.
"The reality we are dealing with are Russian terrorists who have already surpassed ISIS in their crimes against cultural heritage. Only Russian criminals with nothing sacred can deliberately damage the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, a unique UNESCO World Heritage site under special protection," the Ukrainian foreign minister wrote on social media.
According to Sybiha, the strike on one of Christianity's most sacred sites means that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has "forever inscribed his name among the worst barbarians in history."
The minister also stressed:
"We are urgently initiating all relevant procedures within UNESCO and other international mechanisms, demanding an immediate and adequate response to this state barbarism.
We expect a decisive reaction from international institutions and capitals. No vague words, no silence, and no weak steps. Action is needed to stop Russian barbarism."
Background
The National Preserve "Kyiv Pechersk Lavra" is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant spiritual and cultural landmarks in Ukraine and the world. The strike occurred in a year of major anniversaries: the 975th anniversary of the first historical mention of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra and the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the preserve.
June 15, 2026, marks the second time the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra has been damaged since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion.
It is worth recalling that on the night of January 24, following a massive Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv, sites within the National Preserve "Kyiv Pechersk Lavra" — which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List — were also damaged.
- Last
News by day
16 of June 2026
