Outside the Perchersk-Lavra complex on Monday morning a group of state security officers stood over the remains of two Shahed drones at the site, contradicting the Russian claim (10:03). This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing The Guardian.
Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukrainian prime minister Yulia Svyrydenko visit the Dormition Cathedral of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, which was hit during Russian missile and drone strikes. Further along the road, a tumbled gilded dome lay in the street where it had been toppled by a drone that had struck the upper floors of the Art Arsenal museum space.
“I only heard one of the two strikes at 4.55am in the morning,” said a young priest who volunteers as an army chaplain and declined to give his name. “The explosion was massive and blew open one of our windows,” he added as he tugged at a section of copper roofing. “Everything was shaking.”
“I’m from Bakhmut [the Donbas city levelled during Russia’s devastating siege and capture]. This site is important to everyone. But for the Russians nothing is sacred there is no sanctuary. They will claim there was a military object here because they have no values.”
Ukraine would be “urgently initiating” procedures within Unesco and other international mechanisms to ensure “immediate and adequate responses to this state barbarism”, the foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, said on X in reference to the monastery attack.
European Union reaction
EU leaders are preparing to meet to discuss the latest developments in Ukraine, including the attack on the Unesco-listed religious site in Kyiv. These attacks have sparked international outrage, with many countries condemning Russia's actions.
Ukraine's measures
The Ukrainian government has taken a number of measures in response to the attacks. President Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Svyrydenko visited the damaged sites and held a meeting on strengthening security measures. Foreign Minister Sybiha said he would appeal to international organizations to investigate the attacks and bring those responsible to justice.
International community reaction
The UN, Unesco, and other international organizations have condemned the attacks and expressed support for Ukraine. Many countries are discussing new sanctions against Russia. The EU leaders' meeting may consider increasing military and economic aid to Ukraine.
Conclusion
The latest events in Ukraine have drawn the attention of the international community and are pushing for increased efforts against Russia's actions. The EU leaders' meeting will be an important step in addressing these issues.