Historic Kyiv Monastery Damaged as Massive Russian Attack K!lls Several in Ukraine

A major Russian missile and drone attack on Ukraine has damaged one of the country’s most important religious and cultural landmarks, the historic Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery complex in Kyiv.

According to Ukrainian authorities, the overnight attack into Monday killed at least four people in the capital and injured more than 20 others.

Images from the scene showed flames rising from parts of the UNESCO World Heritage site while firefighters worked to contain the blaze around the monastery’s famous domes and towers.

Ukraine’s emergency services reported that about 800 square meters of the roof of the Dormition Cathedral were affected by the fire. Another blaze reportedly broke out at the National Cultural, Art and Museum Complex, covering an area of around 1,000 square meters.

Ukraine’s Air Force said Russia launched 611 long-range drones and 70 missiles during the large-scale attack.

The head of Kyiv’s military administration, Tymur Tkachenko, said the assault left at least four people dead and more than 20 wounded. The attack also reportedly cut electricity to about 140,000 households in northern Kyiv.

In a statement, Russia’s Defense Ministry said it had targeted facilities linked to Ukraine’s defense industry in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and the Dnipropetrovsk region.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack and called for stronger international support ahead of the upcoming G7 Summit.

“This is how Russia shows the world its intention to continue the war,” Zelensky said, urging allies to increase pressure on Russia and strengthen Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.

Ursula von der Leyen also condemned the attack, stating that G7 leaders would discuss additional measures to pressure Russia and support efforts to end the conflict.

The Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery is one of Ukraine’s most treasured religious sites. Founded in the 11th century, it is a major spiritual center and pilgrimage destination known for its churches, underground caves, and historical relics.

In 2023, UNESCO added the monastery to its World Heritage in Danger list because of threats posed by the ongoing war.

Elsewhere in Ukraine, officials reported that at least five people were killed and several others injured in Russian attacks on the northeastern city of Kharkiv.

The latest strikes come as international leaders continue diplomatic efforts to find a path toward ending the war, which has been ongoing for more than four years.

First responders have put out the fires in Kyiv – at the Lavra and the Mystetskyi Arsenal. I am grateful to all the services working at the sites of the strikes, and to everyone who is helping. It has been confirmed that two Russian drones deliberately targeted the part of the… pic.twitter.com/EwfUTXWAsj

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 15, 2026