A Video Shows The Moment Russia Struck The Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
- 17.06.2026, 11:19
You can also see the aftermath of the attack on the shrine.
Footage has emerged showing the first few seconds of the Russian drone strike on the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra on the night of June 15. The video captures the moment the drone struck the Cathedral of the Dormition.
This was reported by Charter97.org, citing the Facebook page of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve Facebook.
The reserve reported that a Russian drone struck the Lavra’s main church—the Cathedral of the Dormition.
“The first seconds of a precision strike by a Russian drone that hit the very heart of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra—the Cathedral of the Dormition,” the statement reads.
The released footage shows the moment of impact and the cathedral engulfed in flames after being hit. The footage also shows the aftermath of the attack on the sacred site.
At the same time, the Lavra emphasized that the attack was yet another blow to Ukraine’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
“The temple engulfed in flames is yet another crime committed by the Russian occupiers, who seek to destroy our memory, culture, and identity,” the reserve stated.
The reserve’s response
The National Reserve noted that the shrine has survived numerous attempts at destruction throughout its history.
“It is painful to look at the damaged holy site, which has survived more than one attempt to erase it from Ukrainian history. But we have repeatedly revived what the enemy tried to destroy. We will restore it now as well,” the Lavra added.
What is known about the attack on the Lavra
As a reminder, on June 15, Russia unleashed a nighttime terror attack on Kyiv, launching 60 missiles and strike drones.
During the attack, the Russians deliberately launched strike on the Assumption Cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra — a drone struck the roof of the building, causing a fire.
The fire was extinguished, but the cathedral sustained damage; in particular, the iconostasis, murals, and frescoes were damaged.
Following the strike, ancient icons, antiminsons, and other liturgical objects that could have been endangered by the shelling were urgently evacuated from the Lavra. The complex was temporarily closed to visitors.