UNESCO condemned today's strike by Russia on the famous Orthodox monastery in Kyiv

Kyiv – The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) condemned today's Russian attack on the Orthodox monastery of Kyiv Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv. The monastery, listed as a UNESCO site, had the roof of its Uspensky Cathedral, which dates back to the 11th century, on fire. According to the organization, the fire caused significant damage to the monastery.

"UNESCO condemns attacks on cultural heritage, educational institutions, students, teachers, and media workers who are protected by international law," the organization wrote in a statement. "The strike reportedly caused significant damage to both the exterior and interior of the Uspensky Cathedral," UNESCO added, noting that adjacent historical buildings were also damaged.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the attack on the monastery as one of the largest Russian crimes against Christian culture to date. "It has been confirmed that two Russian drones intentionally attacked the part of the city where the lavra is located," the president wrote on X. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha labeled Russian President Vladimir Putin a barbarian.

Czech President Petr Pavel also condemned the attack on the monastery. "The nighttime attacks on numerous cultural sites, including the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, reveal the sheer despair and barbarism of Russia, which is deliberately destroying what it can never possess," the president wrote on X.

Ukraine, with the support of the West, has been defending itself against Russian aggression for more than four years. The famous Kyiv monastery was damaged by Russian troops as early as the end of January.