UNESCO Heritage Site Among Targets During Massive Overnight Attack
KYIV: At least 20 people were injured and a historic monastery in Ukraine’s capital suffered significant damage after Russia launched a large-scale drone and missile attack on Kyiv early Monday, according to Ukrainian authorities.
Officials said the overnight assault triggered multiple fires across the city, damaged residential buildings, and disrupted essential services. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that debris from intercepted drones struck homes and vehicles, causing additional fires and destruction in several districts.
Furthermore, the attack damaged electricity infrastructure, leaving approximately 140,000 residents without power as emergency crews worked to restore services.
Authorities urged residents to remain in shelters as air raid alerts continued across much of the country.
Historic Religious Landmark Suffers Major Damage
One of the most significant sites affected was the historic Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site founded in 1051 and regarded as a major symbol of Ukraine’s religious and cultural heritage.
Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, said the monastery sustained serious damage following a direct strike. Images shared by officials showed parts of the complex engulfed in flames as firefighters battled the blaze.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko condemned the attack, describing it as an assault on both civilians and the country’s cultural legacy.
Religious leaders also criticized the strike, calling for stronger international action against continued attacks on Ukrainian cities and historical landmarks.
Regional Tensions Continue as Fighting Intensifies
Meanwhile, Russian attacks extended beyond Kyiv. Ukrainian officials reported that five emergency service rescuers were killed and several others injured after a second strike hit Kharkiv. Local authorities also reported injuries in the Sumy region, including a child.
At the same time, Ukraine continued drone operations targeting locations inside Russia, while Russian authorities reported intercepting unmanned aerial vehicles over several regions.
The renewed escalation comes as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict remain stalled. Although international attention has recently focused on developments in the Middle East, fighting between Russia and Ukraine continues with no immediate breakthrough in peace negotiations.
