The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has reported that Russian forces targeted the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra with a Geran-2 drone during a large-scale assault on June 15. This drone is identified as a Russian variant of the Iranian Shahed kamikaze drone.
According to the SBU’s investigation, the attack occurred at approximately 1:50 AM, coinciding with a series of strikes across the Ukrainian capital. Analysis of debris from the drone revealed components manufactured in Russia, specifically from the Alabuga special economic zone.
Damage from the drone strike included significant harm to the roof, domes, and walls of the Assumption Cathedral within the monastery complex, although no casualties were reported. Nearby civilian infrastructure in the Pechersk district also sustained damage from the blast.
The SBU has classified this incident as a war crime. In contrast, the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed the strikes targeted defense industry facilities in Kyiv, Dnipro, and Kharkiv, denying any intention to hit civilian infrastructure.
Russian officials further asserted that the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra was struck by a missile from the American Patriot air defense system, a claim echoed by pro-Kremlin media outlets.
In response, Yuriy Ihnat, head of communications for Ukraine’s Air Force, urged citizens to refrain from sharing images of missile debris on social media, warning that such posts could be exploited by Russian propaganda.
He noted that the recent attack on Kyiv was among the largest in terms of ballistic missile usage, with the air defense system successfully intercepting 632 targets, including 50 missiles and 582 drones. However, 20 ballistic missiles and 27 strike drones did hit 42 locations, resulting in debris falling in 12 areas.
As a result of the attack, five individuals were reported killed and 35 injured in Kyiv, including two children. Fires erupted in multiple districts, damaging residential buildings and other structures, including the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, the Mystetskyi Arsenal, and the Dovzhenko Film Studio.
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the overall death toll from this assault across Ukraine reached 11, with 53 people injured.
This escalation follows remarks by Russian President Vladimir Putin on June 12, indicating an intention to intensify strikes against Ukraine.
The SBU has confirmed a Russian drone strike on the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, classifying it as a war crime. The attack resulted in significant damage but no casualties, amidst a broader assault on Ukrainian cities.