A historic symbol of faith and culture in Kyiv has been damaged after a massive Russian overnight attack left parts of the city in flames.
The Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, a nearly 1,000-year-old UNESCO World Heritage monastery complex, caught fire as Russian forces launched a large-scale barrage of drones and missiles against Ukraine’s capital.
Videos and images from the scene showed flames rising above the famous monastery buildings, while firefighters rushed beneath the ancient towers and golden domes of the Dormition Cathedral trying to contain the blaze.
Ukraine’s Air Force said Russia launched 611 long-range strike drones and 70 missiles during the attack. By morning, emergency crews were still battling fires across the city.
Officials said the roof of the Dormition Cathedral suffered major damage, with flames spreading across around 800 square meters. Another fire broke out at the National Cultural, Art and Museum Complex, affecting around 1,000 square meters.
The attack killed at least five people in Kyiv and injured more than 30 others. Across Ukraine, authorities reported at least 11 deaths following the overnight strikes.
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said the attack also caused widespread disruption, leaving around 140,000 households in northern Kyiv without electricity.
The head of Ukraine’s Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Epiphanius, called for prayers to protect the historic site, describing the strike as an attack against humanity, history, and Christianity.
Russia’s Defense Ministry said the strikes targeted defense-related facilities in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Dnipropetrovsk. Ukraine, however, condemned the attack as another escalation of the war.
President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the international community to respond strongly ahead of the G7 summit in France.
“This is how Russia shows the world its intention to continue the war,” Zelensky said, urging G7 leaders to increase pressure on Moscow and strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also condemned the attacks, saying G7 leaders would discuss further steps to pressure Russia and push toward ending the conflict.
UNESCO also criticized the damage to the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, warning that attacks on cultural sites threaten communities’ ability to preserve history, education, and shared identity.
Founded in the 11th century, the monastery is one of Ukraine’s most important spiritual and cultural landmarks. Its underground caves hold the remains of saints, and UNESCO describes the complex as a masterpiece of Ukrainian art.
The strike comes as diplomatic efforts continue. Zelensky said he recently discussed ending the war with U.S. President Donald Trump, while Trump also held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
But after the latest attack, Ukrainian officials say the message from Moscow is clear: the war is far from over.
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