Zelenskyy condemns strike on historic Kyiv monastery as attack on Christian heritage

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned a Russian strike that caused a fire at the Dormition Cathedral within the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, describing it as one of the most serious attacks on Christian cultural heritage since the start of the war.

Zelenskyy said the strike damaged part of the monastery complex, whose history dates back to the 11th century. He said emergency services extinguished a fire that broke out on the cathedral's roof following the attack.

"This is one of the most serious crimes committed by Russia against Christian culture to date," Zelenskyy said.

The Ukrainian president made the remarks while providing an update on a wave of overnight Russian attacks across the country, including strikes on Kyiv, Kharkiv and other regions.

Ukraine's authorities said the attacks killed and injured civilians and caused damage to civilian infrastructure. Russia has not immediately commented on Zelenskyy's claims.