January 26, 2026
Russian attack damages UNESCO-listed Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, inflicting first wartime damage since WWII
The grounds of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra National Preserve, one of Eastern Europe’s most significant Orthodox Christian monasteries and a UNESCO World Heritage site, were damaged during a massive Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv overnight on Jan
TL;DR
- The Kyiv Pechersk Lavra National Preserve was damaged during a Russian missile and drone attack on Jan. 24-25.
- This marks the first time the religious landmark has been directly affected by the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
- Damage was recorded at the entrance to the Far Caves complex and the Church of the Annunciation.
- Blast waves caused damage to windows, doors, and plasterwork.
- This is the first instance of the lavra suffering damage from the explosion of an aerial target, though shrapnel damage had occurred previously.
- Ukraine's Air Force reported shooting down or suppressing 357 drones and 15 missiles over Ukrainian territory that night.