Ukraine's Culture Ministry reported that a Russian drone and missile strike damaged parts of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, a UNESCO World Heritage monastery. Photos released by the ministry show a cracked window and plaster-dusted belongings, while AFP could not immediately verify the damage. The 11th-century complex, with over 100 buildings and subterranean caves, is considered the spiritual centre for Orthodox Christians and was placed on UNESCO's endangered list in 2023.
Russian Drone and Missile Strike Damages UNESCO-Listed Kyiv Pechersk Lavra
The UNESCO-listed complex, founded in the 11th century, is home to more than 100 buildings (Genya SAVILOV)(Genya SAVILOV/AFP/AFP)
Ukraine's Culture Ministry said on Monday that a Russian drone and missile strike damaged parts of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, the capital's best-known religious site and a UNESCO World Heritage complex.
The ministry said the assault took place during the night between Friday and Saturday. It released photographs showing a cracked window and an open notebook dusted with plaster fragments.
"A preliminary visual inspection revealed damage to doors and window frames," the ministry said in a statement.
AFP was not immediately able to independently verify the full extent of the damage. Ukrainian officials and cultural authorities typically conduct more detailed inspections to assess structural harm and any loss to artifacts or interiors.
Founded in the 11th century, the UNESCO-listed Lavra comprises more than 100 buildings and an underground network of caves where monks live and worship. Orthodox Christians regard the complex as the spiritual centre of Ukraine.
UNESCO says Russia's invasion, now approaching four years, has damaged hundreds of historic buildings across Ukraine, including religious sites, museums and libraries. The UN cultural body added the Lavra to its 2023 list of endangered landmarks, citing a "threat of destruction" from the ongoing offensive.
Further assessments are expected to clarify the scale of the harm and any necessary conservation or restoration work.
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