Russia strikes leave historic Kyiv cathedral in flames

Key Points:

• A major overnight Russian missile and drone attack targeted several Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, resulting in a fire at the historic Dormition Cathedral within the UNESCO-listed Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery complex.
• Ukrainian officials reported 70 missiles and 611 drones launched by Russia, with air defenses shooting down most; at least nine people were killed, including five rescue workers in Kharkiv.
• The attack on the Pechersk Lavra, a significant spiritual and cultural symbol founded in 1051, was condemned by Ukrainian leaders as a deliberate strike on heritage, while Russia denied targeting the monastery, blaming damage on a Patriot missile.
• Strikes in Kyiv caused significant destruction to civilian infrastructure, power outages affecting 140,000 residents, and injuries to at least 23 people across three districts.
• Russia reported repelling Ukrainian drone attacks near Moscow, including one in Tula that killed three people, with both sides denying intentional targeting of civilian sites amid the ongoing conflict.