Russian Barrage on Civilian Targets Also Damages Kyiv's Historic Dormition Cathedral at Lavra

Local authorities confirm that Kyiv’s iconic Lavra Monastery was significantly damaged during a Russian drone and missile raid mtonight. Firefighting efforts to preserve the structure are ongoing. A massive Russian missile and drone attack hit Kyiv overnight into June 15, damaging homes and markets, and cut power to 140,000 residents; while the strike wounded 13-20 people in the city, broader attacks killed at least four elsewhere, including Kharkiv rescuers. The raid also sparked a fire at the Dormition Cathedral in the 1051-founded Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The roof of the Dormition Cathedral is reportedly ablaze. Clergy have been rescuing holy relics amid the chaos. Ukrainian leaders have called it a brutal assault on heritage and Christianity, one wonders what the world response will be. From the Horde in the 13th century to the Nazis and Bolsheviks in the 20th century, Kyiv’s sacred monasteries have suffered numerous barbaric attacks, now they are the target of Russian terrorists who have already linked crimes against cultural heritage to their attacks on Ukraionian cultural identity.