Rebuilding Ukraine: Switzerland allocates $730,000 to protect and restore Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra after Russian attack
He said he had discussed the further preservation of the Lavra as a unique cultural landmark with Culture Minister Tetiana Berezhna and UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha welcomed Switzerland's decision and thanked it for its support.
"I welcome Switzerland's decision to contribute around $730,000 to the preservation of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Ukraine's most important spiritual and cultural landmarks. This support carries particular significance today," he said.
According to him, Russia deliberately struck the shrine just two months before the 975th anniversary of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
Background
On June 15, 2026, the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra was damaged for the second time since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion: an enemy Shahed drone hit the altar area of the Dormition Cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Sacred works, including icons, antimensia, and liturgical items, were evacuated.
In addition to the drone strike on the Dormition Cathedral, the Tower of St. John the Hermit was damaged during a repeated strike attempt. The tower is a 17th- and 18th-century defensive structure and forms part of the fortification complex of the Upper Lavra.
Experts at the Institute for the Study of War said Russia's massive strike on Ukraine on the night of June 15, which damaged the Dormition Cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, had not only a military but also a psychological purpose.
From July 6 to 8, volunteers took part in a cleanup on the grounds of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. They cleared the temple grounds of the aftermath of the Russian attack. Volunteers also removed weeds from the paving stones, trimmed trees and bushes, and cleared other debris.
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20 of August 2026
