UNESCO World Heritage under attack: russians damage sites in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve

On the night of 24 January 2026, sites of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, were damaged as a result of a massive russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv. The last time destruction due to military action was recorded on the territory of the Lavra was during World War II.

The russian attack caused damage to:

• Building No. 66 — the entrance to the Far Caves complex;
• Building No. 67 (Annozachatiivska Church) — partial damage to elements of the facade was recorded.

Preliminary results of a visual inspection revealed:

• damage to doors and window frames;
• chipping and cracking of the exterior plaster;
• mechanical damage to door and window fittings.

An initial inspection of the objects was carried out by employees of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve. An investigative team from the National Police of Ukraine also worked at the scene. A report on the damage was drawn up.

"russia attacks Ukraine every day. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, 1,640 cultural heritage sites and 2,446 cultural infrastructure facilities have been destroyed. The damage to the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra is an attack by the russian federation on world heritage, a crime against human achievement. The Ministry of Culture of Ukraine coordinates actions with relevant services to preserve and protect cultural heritage sites. We are carefully recording all damage so that we can proceed with professional inspection and restoration work as soon as possible," said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture Tetiana Berezhna.

On 26 January 2026, an in-depth technical survey of the structures will be carried out. After completing the documentation, the Reserve's specialists will begin work to repair the damage and conserve the affected objects.

"The last time destruction as a result of military action was recorded on the territory of the Lavra was during World War II. This crime is particularly cynical given that this year the shrine is celebrating its 975th anniversary," emphasised Maksym Ostapenko, Director General of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve.