A massive Russian missile and drone attack pounded Ukraine overnight, with waves of explosions echoing through Kyiv in the early hours of Monday. The strikes killed at least five people across the country and damaged the historic Dormition Cathedral within the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, one of Ukraine's most significant religious sites.
Historic Monastery Engulfed in Flames
The Dormition Cathedral, part of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra UNESCO World Heritage site, was set ablaze after being hit. Footage showed towering flames licking up towards its domes. Metropolitan Epiphanius, head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, wrote on social media: "The roof of one of the holiest places in the Christian world – the Dormition Cathedral of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra – is burning."
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko posted a picture of the burning monastery, calling it "a brutal assault on our people and our heritage." She added: "This is the true face of Russia's Orthodox values. We ask for prayers for the salvation of the shrine from destruction. Another Russian crime against humanity, against history, against Christianity."
Widespread Damage Across Kyiv
Damage was reported at 16 locations across the capital amid the sound of interceptor launches and explosions that shook windows in the city centre. At least 10 people were reported injured in Kyiv alone. Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv's military administration, urged residents to remain in shelters, warning of new launches targeting the capital.
The attacks came after Russian President Vladimir Putin warned of "systemic" strikes against Ukraine, and amid evidence of mounting battlefield setbacks for Russia. The strikes followed a period of relative quiet in Kyiv as Moscow prepared its forces for the latest massive air assault.
Strikes Hit Kharkiv, Poland on Alert
Outside the capital, at least five people were killed in the city of Kharkiv in what appeared to be a double-tap strike targeting emergency responders. Poland, an EU and NATO member, scrambled fighter jets and put ground-based air defence systems and radar reconnaissance on high alert.
Diplomatic Efforts Continue
The strikes came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had spoken with Donald Trump ahead of a G7 meeting in France this week, discussing efforts to end the more than four-year war. The Kremlin also confirmed that Trump told Putin on Sunday that ending the conflict in Ukraine was vital and he was ready to help.
Progress toward a peace agreement has been slow, with US officials and mediators focusing on the Middle East conflict. US and Iranian officials said on Sunday they had agreed on a peace framework to end their war, with the pact expected to be signed on Friday in Switzerland.
