Historic Kyiv monastery hit during Russian attack

A historic monastery complex in Kyiv has been hit during a Russian missile and drone attack on Ukraine’s capital, sparking a fire on its grounds, according to officials.

The fire was reported on the grounds of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, also known as the Monastery of the Caves, one of Ukraine’s most important Orthodox Christian sites. Timur Tkachenko, the head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, said the blaze was believed to have been caused by a direct hit.

The attack happened as the Ukrainian Air Force warned of Russian ballistic missiles and drones targeting Kyiv. Images from the scene showed flames and thick smoke rising from the monastery complex.

“We are currently determining the extent of the damage caused by the Russians,” Tkachenko said, adding that crews were working to contain the fire.

The monastery is one of Ukraine’s most important Orthodox Christian sites. The centuries-old complex sits on hills overlooking the Dnipro River and is known for its churches, bell towers and underground cave network.

Tkachenko said serious damage has been reported at five apartment buildings and an unfinished residential building, while windows were blown out in several districts in Kyiv.

A dormitory was partially damaged, and a private home was also hit, according to city officials. Fires were reported at several locations.

There was no immediate word on casualties or the full extent of damage at the monastery.