Fire breaks out at Kyiv monastery following overnight attack

A fire broke out at the Kyiv Perchersk Lavra monastery in Ukraine's capital after overnight strikes hit the city. The monastery, established in 1051, holds UNESCO World Heritage designation.

Ukrainian officials reported that Russian missiles and drones attacked Kyiv on Wednesday. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy characterized the strikes as "one of Russia's most serious crimes against Christian culture" in a statement posted to social media.

Russia's military denied conducting attacks on the monastery. Russian officials did not provide an explanation for the damage reported at the site.

The Kyiv Perchersk Lavra sits on a hillside overlooking the Dnieper River and contains multiple churches, monasteries, and bell towers. Ukrainian authorities did not immediately specify which structures suffered damage or provide details on the extent of the fire.

Kyiv has experienced repeated strikes since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Wednesday's attack marked the latest in a series of strikes on the capital.

Ukrainian emergency services did not release casualty figures or statements on damage assessment as of Wednesday afternoon. Officials did not confirm whether the fire remained active or had been extinguished.

The monastery has functioned as an active religious site and tourist destination. Ukraine's government controls access to the grounds and the surrounding area.