Dormition Cathedral in Kyiv Damaged in Russian Strikes

Ukraine’s Dormition Cathedral in Kyiv, a rebuilt landmark since its destruction in World War II, was severely damaged during Russian missile and drone strikes on Monday. President Volodymyr Zelensky described the attack as a significant blow to Christian culture.

The cathedral, a renowned site for Christian pilgrims, was hit amidst widespread Russian strikes across several cities, which resulted in 11 deaths and left dozens injured according to the Ukrainian government. The strikes also targeted the historic monastic complex housing the cathedral with two drones, Zelensky noted in a social media post.

Verified videos show firefighters using cranes to spray water onto the cathedral, battling flames visible through its windows against the building’s white exterior.

This is, as of today, one of the largest Russian crimes against Christian culture.

Zelensky emphasized the magnitude of the attack on the cathedral, highlighting the ongoing destruction of Ukraine’s religious sites, museums, monuments, and libraries throughout the war. The Culture Ministry in Ukraine reported that other cultural centers, such as several museums, a film studio, and a vast costume collection, also suffered damage.