Sawt Falasteen - Russian attack damages UNESCO-listed Kyiv monastery

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Russian attack damages UNESCO-listed Kyiv monastery / Photo: Genya SAVILOV - AFP/File

Russian attack damages UNESCO-listed Kyiv monastery

POLITICS 26.01.2026

A Russian drone and missile attack has damaged parts of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, Ukraine's most famous religious landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ukraine's culture ministry said Monday.

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The attack took place during the night between Friday and Saturday, the ministry said.

"A preliminary visual inspection revealed damage to doors and window frames," the ministry said in a statement, sharing photos of a cracked window and an open notebook covered with specks of plaster.

AFP was not able to immediately verify the extent of the damage.

The UNESCO-listed complex, founded in the 11th century, is home to more than 100 buildings as well as a subterranean labyrinth of caves where monks stay and worship.

Orthodox Christians consider it Ukraine's spiritual centre.

Russia's invasion almost four years ago has damaged hundreds of historical buildings, including religious sites, museums and libraries, according to UNESCO.

The UN cultural body added the Lavra to its list of endangered landmarks in 2023, citing the "threat of destruction" from Russia's ongoing offensive.

R.Shaban--SF-PST

Sawt Falasteen - Russian attack damages UNESCO-listed Kyiv monastery

Russian attack damages UNESCO-listed Kyiv monastery

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