Irina Nesterova09:25, 15.06.26

The Kiev Pechersk Lavra is temporarily closed to visitors.

Ukraine is urgently initiating all relevant procedures within UNESCO and all other international mechanisms, demanding an immediate and adequate response to Russia’s attack on the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. This was stated by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha.

“By attacking the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, one of Christianity’s greatest sanctuaries, Putin has forever inscribed his name on the list of history’s worst barbarians. He must be cursed forever. And he will lose this war,” the minister noted.

According to him, Kyiv’s holy sites were subjected to numerous barbaric attacks, both by the Horde in the 13th century and by the Nazis and Bolsheviks in the 20th century. Now, as Sibiga noted, Russian terrorists have already surpassed ISIS in their crimes against cultural heritage.

He emphasized that only Russians, “who hold nothing sacred,” could intentionally damage the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, a unique UNESCO heritage site under special protection.Read also:

“We urgently initiate all relevant procedures within UNESCO and all other international mechanisms, demanding an immediate and adequate response to this state-sponsored barbarity. We expect a decisive response from international institutions and capitals. No vague words, silence, or weak steps. Action is needed to stop Russian barbarity,” Sybiga wrote.

The Lavra is temporarily closed to visitors.

The Kyiv Pechersk Lavra has been temporarily closed to visitors following the Russian attack, the reserve announced .

“Due to the massive Russian attack on the night of June 15, which resulted in significant damage to the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Preserve, the territory of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra is temporarily closed to visitors,” the statement reads.

There they said that “Shahid” ended up in the altar section of the Assumption Cathedral – in the St. Stephen’s Chapel.

“Furthermore, as a result of the repeated attack, the Tower of John Kushnick, a defensive structure dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries and part of the Upper Lavra’s fortification complex, was damaged. Emergency rescue operations are currently ongoing,” the Lavra noted.

The reserve explained that “to ensure public safety and preserve the monuments, access to the Lavra grounds is restricted until these works are completed.” A reopening date will be announced later.

Attack on the Kiev Pechersk Lavra

As previously reported, the Dormition Cathedral of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra caught fire during a Russian attack on the night of June 15. According to preliminary information from Timur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, the fire was caused by a direct hit. The fire was widespread and caused significant damage.

Bishop Avraamiy, abbot of the Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, reported that ancient icons and other sacred relics were saved thanks to the urgent evacuation. He noted that thanks to coordinated efforts, threats to people were minimized and sacred relics, which represent not only ecclesiastical but also national value, were preserved.

(c)UNIAN 2026