Russian air attack damages historic Kyiv monastery, killing four
Al Jazeera reported that overnight strikes on Kyiv set part of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra ablaze and injured many people.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
1 min read
A Russian air attack on Kyiv set part of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery on fire and damaged the historic religious site, Al Jazeera reported. The overnight strikes killed four people and injured many others, according to the broadcaster.
The monastery is one of Eastern Orthodox Christianity’s most important historic sites, Al Jazeera reported. It is also a centuries-old UNESCO World Heritage site in Ukraine’s capital.
Al Jazeera said the blaze broke out during a heavy Russian air assault on Kyiv. The report did not give further details on the scale of damage inside the monastery complex or identify the people killed in the wider attack.
Historic site hit during overnight assault
The Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra has long been recognized as a major religious and cultural landmark, according to Al Jazeera. Its damage adds a prominent heritage site to the toll from Russia’s continued air attacks on Ukrainian cities.
Al Jazeera reported the attack took place overnight and struck the capital hard enough to leave multiple casualties. The broadcaster described the number of injured as many, without providing a specific figure.
The strike was reported on June 15, 2026. Al Jazeera attributed the fire and damage at the monastery to the Russian air attack on Kyiv.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.