- Russian strikes hit Kyiv, killing four people
- The attack also destroyed buildings and left thousands without electricity
At least four people have been killed after a heavy Russian air assault on Kyiv struck residential areas and caused a fire at the historic Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery, one of Ukraine’s most important cultural and religious landmarks, authorities said on Monday.
Officials described the overnight attack as one of the most severe on the Ukrainian capital in recent weeks, forcing residents across Kyiv to take shelter as missiles and drones targeted multiple parts of the city, Eko Hot Blog gathered.
The Kyiv military administration confirmed that the UNESCO-listed monastery, founded in 1051 and regarded as a symbol of Ukrainian spiritual heritage, suffered significant damage after being hit during the bombardment.
The blaze that followed sent flames and smoke rising over the site, sparking widespread outrage among Ukrainian officials and religious leaders.
Kyiv authorities reported that the strikes also hit high-rise residential buildings and damaged electricity infrastructure, leaving around 140,000 residents without power. Emergency services said 23 people were injured in addition to the four confirmed dead.
Ukrainian officials condemned the attack, with government and church leaders describing it as an assault not only on civilians but also on national heritage. Religious figures warned that continued targeting of cultural sites represented a deeper escalation in the conflict.
Air raid alerts covered most of Ukraine during the night, as Ukrainian forces also reported intercepting drones over several regions of Russia, highlighting the ongoing exchange of attacks between both sides.
In a separate incident, Ukraine’s Interior Ministry said a follow-up strike in Kharkiv killed five emergency responders and injured others, while additional casualties were recorded in Sumy after further shelling.
Neighbouring Poland briefly scrambled fighter jets in response to potential airspace threats before later confirming no violation had occurred, according to its armed forces.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Kyiv would pursue international action through UNESCO and other global bodies over the monastery strike, calling it an act of “state barbarism.” Similar condemnations were issued by European officials, including Estonia’s foreign minister.
Meanwhile, Ukraine continued its own military operations, reportedly targeting infrastructure in Russian-controlled areas, including bridges linking Crimea to mainland Russia. Regional authorities in Russia also reported casualties following drone strikes in industrial areas.
Despite ongoing diplomatic discussions involving global leaders, including contacts between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and US President Donald Trump, progress toward a ceasefire remains limited as the war continues with no clear resolution in sight.
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