Zelenskyy says Russia 'deliberately' targeted Unesco site; 11 confirmed dead

Volodymyr Zelenskyy said two Russian drones deliberately struck the part of Kyiv where the Pechersk Lavra and the Mystetskyi Arsenal are located. He wrote on X that 35 people were injured in Kyiv, 53 wounded across the country, and 11 people had been killed in the attack.

Unesco condemned the strikes and warned of "significant" damage to the Dormition Cathedral, parts of the Lavra’s fortification complex and the Ivan Kushnik Tower. The body said damage to cultural and educational institutions deprives communities of vital shared spaces and offered to support authorities in assessing and responding to the harm.

Moscow has denied striking the historic monastery and blamed Ukrainian air defences for the damage, while Germany said the barrage showed little willingness on Russia’s part to de-escalate the conflict. EU diplomats described the strikes as a further reminder of Russian escalation.

Ukraine, Kyiv

zelenskyy, russia, kyiv, pechersk lavra, mystetskyi arsenal, dormition cathedral, unesco, drone strike, civilian casualties, air defences