Statement of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and religious organizations regarding the Russian strike on the Kyiv pechersk lavra
During the night of 15 June 2026, the Russian Federation carried out another terrorist, massive missile and drone attack on Kyiv, as a result of which the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra was damaged and a fire broke out on the roof of the Lavra’s Assumption Cathedral, covering an area of approximately 800 square meters.
The Kyiv Pechersk Lavra traces its origins to the 11th century and has historically been one of the principal centers of the spread of Christianity in Eastern Europe. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A monastic community resides in the Lavra, where religious life continues uninterrupted, with regular liturgical services and prayers. The Lavra complex is also home to a National Reserve that maintains extensive museum collections featuring outstanding works and objects of history and culture.
The Russian attack on the Lavra constitutes yet another crime against humanity, against Christianity, and against Ukraine’s spiritual, historical, and cultural heritage. It should be recalled that since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, nearly 800 religious buildings belonging to Christian, Muslim, and Jewish communities in Ukraine have been fully or partially destroyed or damaged by Russian attacks.
It should be noted that during this massive attack on Kyiv, the Oleksandr Dovzhenko National Film Studio and the Mystetskyi Arsenal National Cultural, Artistic, and Museum Complex were also damaged; a large postal terminal was destroyed; multi storey residential buildings and private homes were hit; and strikes were carried out against the city’s power supply and water supply systems. We mourn those who were killed and pray for the swift recovery of all who were wounded as a result of this Russian terrorist attack.
All these crimes are being committed by the Russian Federation, a state that bears the obligations of a UN member, is a member of UNESCO, and yet, taking advantage of the lack of political will within international institutions and the insufficient resolve of democratic nations, continues its cynical terrorist attacks against Ukrainian cities and perpetrates ever new acts of genocide against the Ukrainian people.
Once again, we call upon the governments of democratic countries to strengthen sanctions against the Russian Federation, as well as against Russian politicians, business leaders, journalists, and religious figures who are complicit in the ongoing crimes against humanity being committed in Ukraine.
We express our sincere gratitude to the Air Defense Forces of Ukraine and to all Ukrainian soldiers, rescuers, medical workers, and essential service personnel for their selfless service. May God grant them strength and keep them safe.
We pray for all those who have suffered as a result of Russian terror. May God strengthen and comfort them!
We call upon churches, religious communities, and all people of goodwill to unite in prayer and continue praying for an end to Russian aggression and for the establishment of a just peace for Ukraine. We thank every caring individual from different countries who has not grown weary of standing together with Ukrainians on the side of good and showing solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
O Great and One God, protect Ukraine for us!
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