War against world culture: Russia hits Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra for the first time since World War II

The night of January 24, 2026, became a black page in the history of Ukrainian culture. As a result of a massive combined attack by missiles and drones on Kyiv, the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was damaged.

As reported by the general director of the reserve, Maksym Ostapenko, the blast wave and debris damaged key objects of the Dalnye Pechery complex: Building No. 66: the entrance group was significantly damaged. Building No. 67 (Annozachatiyivska Church): windows, doors were broken, and the facade plaster decoration was damaged.

Fortunately, the caves themselves were not damaged, but due to the power outage, seismic sensors did not work. This does not make it possible to instantly assess hidden microcracks in the architectural ensemble.

“For the first time since World War II, the Lavra facility was hit as a result of military operations. Moscow is behind it every time,” Ostapenko emphasized.

The attack began around 1 a.m. on January 24. The Russians used ballistics and strike UAVs. In addition to cultural heritage, six districts of the capital were affected: There are injuries and at least one death in the city. In the Dniprovskyi district, a fuel truck and garages were on fire, and in Solomyanskyi, an office building was damaged. Blast waves broke out windows in residential buildings and private clinics.

Deputy Prime Minister Tetyana Berezhnaya emphasized the cynicism of the moment: this year the Lavra celebrates its 975th anniversary. The Ministry of Culture has already begun a technical inspection for urgent conservation of the facilities.