A Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv damaged two historic buildings within the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, marking the UNESCO-listed monastery’s first wartime damage since World War II.
Images from the scene showed flames spreading across sections of the cathedral’s roof as thick smoke rose above its domes. Firefighters deployed an aerial ladder inside the monastery grounds as crews worked to contain the blaze. The fire occurred during a combined Russian assault involving missiles and attack drones. Explosions were reported across Kyiv, with fires and damage recorded in several districts. Residential buildings and power infrastructure were also hit in the immediate area.
 | The Dormition Cathedral is the principal church of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, one of Ukraine’s most important religious and cultural landmarks. The monastery, also known as the Monastery of the Caves, was founded in the 11th century and has been included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List since 1990. The cathedral was almost entirely destroyed during World War II and remained in ruins for decades. It was reconstructed following Ukrainian independence and consecrated in 2000. |
Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra burns at night, with bright flames engulfing part of the historic church complex as thick orange smoke rises behind its dark domes on Monday June 15, 2026.
Russian officials did not immediately comment on the strike or the damage to the cathedral despite earlier reports that Russia was targeting ‘decision-centers’ of the Ukrainian military. Ukrainian authorities had not said whether the historic religious complex was deliberately targeted.
