©Chaiwat Hanpitakpong via Unsplash
The Russians have launched an airstrike targeting the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in the center of Kyiv. This unique monastery complex is located on the banks of the Dnieper (Dnipro) River and was severely damaged.
A fire broke out in the cathedral of the so-called Cave Monastery, a labyrinthine complex that has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990. The Kiev-Pechersk Lavra monastery is an important symbol of Ukraine’s spiritual and cultural history.
Miraculously, the fire did not spread throughout the entire iconic complex. The flames raged in the tower of the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. AP reports that the cathedral was severely damaged by the Russian airstrike.
“A brutal attack on our people and our heritage. This is the true face of Russia’s Orthodox values,” Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko wrote on X alongside images of burning monastery buildings.
According to The Kyiv Independent, some of the country’s most important relics are stored in the monastery complex. Footage shows the cathedral’s roof engulfed in flames. The iconic complex, with its golden domes and white facades, dates back to 1051. It is one of the most important religious and historical building complexes in Ukraine.
Kharkiv, in northeastern Ukraine, was also hit by rocket attacks. “Five rescue workers from the state emergency services were killed by repeated Russian attacks while they were fighting fires. At least five others were injured,” Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko wrote on Telegram.
Ukraine has been resisting the Russian invasion for more than four years.
©Chaiwat Hanpitakpong via Unsplash - illustrative image of the UNESCO World Heritage complex BEFORE the Russian airstrike.