Strikes on Pechersk Lavra pierce Ukraine's orthodox heart
Context of Russian air strikes on the medieval Kyiv Pechersk Lavra cave monastery.
June 15, 2026
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In the early morning of June 15, the medieval cave monastery Pechersk Lavra in the centre of Kyiv was severely damaged by Russian air strikes. It was a direct hit on one of the most historic sites in Ukraine and for Orthodox Christianity.
Kyiv Pechersk Lavra dates back to the Middle Ages and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Anyone crossing the Dnieper river from the east side of Kyiv on one of the bridges can see the complex’s gleaming domes towering over the city from afar.
For RAAM, I wrote a news article providing context about the history of the cave monastery and its significance for Ukraine as well as for Russia.
