President Maia Sandu has condemned Russia’s overnight attack on Kyiv, which damaged several civilian sites, including the historic Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, one of the most important Orthodox Christian landmarks in Ukraine and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“The murderous Kremlin regime has once again demonstrated that nothing is sacred to it. Those who claim to be defenders of Christian values have bombed one of the most important symbols of Orthodoxy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra,” the president said.
Sandu stated that the strike formed part of a new wave of Russian attacks against Ukraine that caused casualties and widespread destruction.
“In the face of these cowardly attacks, we must remain united with the Ukrainian people. The Republic of Moldova strongly condemns attacks against civilians and places of worship and stands with Ukraine in its fight for freedom, peace, and the right to determine its own future,” she added.
According to Ukrainian authorities, the attack killed at least four people and injured 23 others in Kyiv. Among the victims were a child and a pregnant woman, while three of the injured remained in critical condition.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said Russian forces targeted the capital with kamikaze drones and ballistic missiles, causing damage in nearly every district of the city.
During the bombardment, a fire broke out on the grounds of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, Ukraine’s oldest Orthodox monastery, founded in 1051. Initial reports indicated that the roof of the Dormition Cathedral had caught fire.
Later, Tymur Tkachenko said preliminary information suggested the blaze resulted from a direct strike. Authorities continue to assess the damage, while emergency crews have extinguished the fire and secured the area.