Russia's devastating attack on Ukraine. The capital was the main target. The roof of the Dormition Cathedral of the Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv caught fire
Russia launched on the night of June 14-15 one of the largest air attacks since the beginning of the war, using hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles against Ukraine. The capital Kyiv was the main target, but strikes were also reported in Kharkiv, Sumy and the Kyiv region.
The roof of the Dormition Cathedral within the Pecerska Lavra engulfed in flames/PHOTO:
At least nine people lost their lives and several dozen others were injured. Among the casualties were five Ukrainian rescuers killed while putting out a fire caused by an earlier attack.
Lavra Pecerska, spiritual symbol of Ukraine, was hit
In Kyiv, the bombings caused fires and destruction in almost all sectors of the city. The flames engulfed the roof of the Dormition Cathedral within the Pechersk Lavra, one of Ukraine's most important religious monuments.
Bishop Avraami, vicar of the Kiev-Pechersk Dormition Lavra, reported that after the attack on the Dormition Cathedral, thanks to joint actions, it was possible to reduce the danger to people and preserve the shrines. On his Facebook page, he mentioned that an urgent evacuation of liturgical objects, ancient icons, antimonies and other altars was organized.
The head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Metropolitan Epiphany, called this “another crime of the Russian Federation against humanity, against history, against Christianity.” Addressing the international community, Epiphany asked what more the “Kremlin Antichrist” needs to do for the world to realize the need for decisive action to end Russian terror against Ukraine and the very principles of peace.
The mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Kliciko, confirmed that the place of worship suffered significant damage. In the same night, student dormitories, apartment blocks and buildings under construction in several districts of the capital were hit.
The attack also caused massive power outages. About 140,000 consumers in the north of Kyiv were left without electricity.
Dozens injured, including children
According to emergency services, at least 23 people were injured in Kyiv. Among them is a five-year-old child and a pregnant woman. Some of the victims were transported to the hospital in serious condition.
Significant damage was reported in the Obolon, Solomianski, Pecersk, Shevcenkivski and Holosiivski sectors, where fires affected apartment blocks, warehouses, markets and civil infrastructure.
Ukrainian culture, again in the spotlight
Among the targets hit was the Oleksandr Dovjenko National Film Studio, one of the oldest and most important film centers in Ukraine.
Culture Minister Tetiana Berejna said the attack destroyed the costume workshop and the largest collection of historical costumes in the country.
“Russia continues to hit not only the civilian infrastructure and the population, but also the cultural institutions that preserve the identity, memory and history of Ukraine,” the Ukrainian official said.
Five rescuers died in a repeated attack
One of the most dramatic situations occurred in Kharkiv. After a first bombardment that caused a heavy fire, the intervention teams arrived at the scene to put out the fire.
Shortly after, Russian forces launched a second attack on the same area. Five rescuers of the State Emergency Service were killed and five others were injured.
Interior Minister Ihor Klimenko described the victims as “unarmed heroes”, stressing that Ukraine continues to lose people who save lives.
Among the dead is Oleksii Dorojkin, an employee of the Department of Emergency Situations of the Kharkiv City Hall, who was participating in rescue operations at the time of the second bombing.
681 means of attack launched in one night
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia used a total of 681 means of air attack: 70 missiles and 611 drones of various types.
Air defense systems managed to shoot down or neutralize 632 of them. However, 20 ballistic missiles and 27 drones managed to hit their targets in 42 different locations.
Ukrainian authorities and international human rights organizations have repeatedly accused Russia of using the “double tap” tactic – hitting the same area twice to cause additional casualties among rescuers and civilians who intervene after the first attack.
