A deadly wave of Russian missile and drone strikes has left at least nine people dead across Ukraine while also damaging one of the country’s most treasured religious landmarks. The overnight assault ignited a fire at Kyiv’s historic Dormition Cathedral, raising fresh concerns over the destruction of cultural heritage amid the ongoing war.
Highlights
- At least nine people were killed in overnight Russian attacks across Ukraine.
- The historic Dormition Cathedral at Kyiv Pechersk Lavra caught fire during the assault.
- The UNESCO World Heritage Site suffered significant damage.
- Thousands of Kyiv residents temporarily lost electricity after the strikes.
- Ukrainian leaders have condemned the attack and called for international action.
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Heavy Overnight Assault Hits Multiple Cities
Ukraine endured one of its most intense aerial attacks in recent weeks after dozens of missiles and hundreds of drones targeted Kyiv and several other cities overnight.
Officials said the strikes caused widespread destruction to homes, infrastructure and public facilities, while emergency crews worked through the night to rescue survivors and contain fires.
The nationwide assault claimed at least nine lives and left dozens more injured as authorities assessed the full extent of the damage.
Historic Cathedral Engulfed by Fire
Among the most significant sites affected was the Dormition Cathedral within the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery complex, one of Ukraine’s oldest and most important religious landmarks.
The centuries-old cathedral was engulfed in flames after the strike, with firefighters battling the blaze as smoke rose above the UNESCO-recognized site. The monastery has long been regarded as a symbol of Eastern Orthodox Christianity and an important part of Ukraine’s cultural identity.
The damage has sparked international concern over the protection of historic monuments during armed conflict.
Leaders Condemn Attack on Cultural Heritage
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the strike on the monastery as a serious attack on Christian heritage and cultural history, calling for greater international attention to the destruction of historic sites.
Officials have indicated they will engage UNESCO and other international organizations to document the damage and seek accountability.
Power Outages and Additional Casualties
The attacks also disrupted essential services, leaving approximately 140,000 residents in Kyiv without electricity for several hours.
In the northeastern city of Kharkiv, emergency responders reportedly lost their lives after a second strike hit while they were responding to an earlier attack, highlighting the continuing risks facing rescue workers during the conflict.
The latest escalation comes as diplomatic efforts to find a path toward ending the war continue, with Ukraine and its allies urging stronger international support to protect civilians and preserve cultural heritage.
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