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Russian missile strike on Kyiv hits Kyiv Pechersk Lavra cathedral

15 June 2026 11:40 (UTC +04:00)

Russia launched yet another round of ballistic missile strikes on Kyiv overnight on June 15, striking the main cathedral of the city's Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, one of Ukraine's most significant religious and cultural sites, Kyiv Independent reports.

Several multi-story residential buildings in Kyiv were struck in the Russian attack, officials said. At least four people have been killed and 30 others injured in the capital.

"(T)he roof of one of the holiest places in the Christian world — the Dormition Cathedral of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra — is burning," Metropolitan Epiphanius, head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, wrote on X on the night of the attack.

"We ask for prayers for the salvation of the shrine from destruction. Another Russian crime against humanity, against history, against Christianity."

Amid the attack, efforts were made for the "emergency evacuation" of ancient icons, art, and other religious relics, according to Bishop Avraamii.

It was not immediately clear if any religious artefacts were damaged in the attack. Authorities have not yet commented on the damage caused to the cathedral.

Russia Ukraine Kyiv Kyiv Pechersk Lavra Dormition Cathedral missile strike ballistic missiles Russian attack Orthodox Church of Ukraine Metropolitan Epiphanius civilian casualties residential buildings religious site cultural heritage emergency evacuation religious relics ancient icons Bishop Avraamii war in Ukraine Kyiv Independent