Russia launched its heaviest air assault on Kyiv in two weeks on Monday, killing four people, injuring at least 30 and setting fire to the historic Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Ukraine’s most important religious landmarks.
The overnight barrage came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepared for discussions with world leaders at the G7 summit in France and renewed efforts to push for an end to the more than four-year war.
A Strike On Heritage
Kyiv authorities said the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery, founded in 1051 and regarded as a cornerstone of Ukraine’s spiritual and cultural heritage, suffered serious damage in a direct strike. Images from the scene showed flames engulfing parts of the monastery complex as emergency crews battled the blaze.
Calling the attack an assault on both people and heritage, Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko condemned the strike, saying it demonstrated Russia’s disregard for cultural and religious sites.
Capital Under Siege
The attack forced residents across the capital into shelters as drones and missiles struck apartment buildings and critical infrastructure. Authorities said damage to electricity networks left around 140,000 people without power. According to Ukraine’s military, Russia launched 70 missiles and 611 drones overnight. Air defence systems intercepted 50 missiles and 582 drones, although officials acknowledged continuing challenges in countering ballistic missile attacks.
Strikes Beyond Kyiv
The strikes extended beyond the capital. In Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, five emergency service rescuers were killed and several others injured after a second Russian strike hit an area where rescue operations were underway. In the northeastern region of Sumy, three people, including a child, were reported injured. Across the border, Russian officials said three people were killed and three others injured, including a one-year-old child, in a Ukrainian drone attack on the city of Tula, south of Moscow. Ukraine has increasingly targeted Russian industrial and energy facilities in an effort to disrupt Moscow’s war effort.
Peace Efforts Cast In Shadow
The latest escalation comes amid faltering diplomatic efforts. Zelenskyy recently proposed direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin involving the United States and European partners, a proposal that Moscow rejected.
The Ukrainian leader also spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of the G7 gathering, where the conflict is expected to feature prominently on the agenda. Despite renewed diplomatic activity, prospects for a breakthrough remain uncertain as fighting continues across both countries.
(with input from Reuters)
