Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine visited the historic Kyiv Pechersk Lavra on June 15, following a massive Russian missile and drone attack that damaged the monastery complex and other cultural landmarks in the Ukrainian capital.
Metropolitan Epifaniy had been among the first church leaders to condemn the attack, describing it as a crime against Christianity, history, and humanity. He called on the faithful to pray for the preservation of the holy site after a fire broke out at the Dormition Cathedral during the overnight strikes.
In a statement published on Telegram, President Zelensky said emergency services had successfully extinguished fires at both the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra and the Mystetskyi Arsenal cultural complex. According to the Ukrainian leader, the area was deliberately targeted.
“Two Russian drones deliberately attacked the part of the city where the Lavra and the Mystetskyi Arsenal are located,” Zelensky stated.
The President reported that 35 people were injured in Kyiv, while nationwide casualties from the attack rose to 11 dead and 53 wounded. He expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and emphasized that Ukraine remains in constant contact with its international partners regarding the consequences of the strike and possible responses.
Zelensky instructed Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomatic corps to intensify consultations with allies ahead of a series of international meetings scheduled in the coming days, stressing that a “fair response” to the attack is necessary.
He also thanked Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, foreign leaders, public figures, and international organizations that publicly condemned the strike, saying it was important that the international community not remain silent in the face of attacks on civilians and cultural heritage.
The visit comes as international concern continues to grow over the damage inflicted on the UNESCO-listed monastery, one of the most important spiritual centers of Eastern Christianity and a symbol of Ukraine’s religious and cultural identity.
Source: kyivpost.com
