Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Set to Reopen
The National Sanctuary 'Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra' will reopen to visitors on January 31, following a temporary closure caused by a loss of heating and damage from a missile strike. This UNESCO World Heritage site, a major spiritual and cultural center, will only offer access to the grounds of the Upper Lavra, while its exhibition halls and bell tower will remain closed.
The Lavra was initially closed on January 23 due to a heating supply failure. During a subsequent attack on the night of January 23-24, several of its structures were damaged. This included Building No. 66, which serves as the entrance to the Far Caves complex, and Building No. 67, which houses the Church of the Conception of St. Anne. The blast wave caused damage to windows, doors, and sections of decorative plaster.
Damage from the Large-Scale Assault
The strike on the Lavra was part of a massive combined attack targeting Kyiv and the surrounding region. According to monitoring resources, the assault involved:
- 6 'Iskander' ballistic missiles
- 2 3M22 'Zircon' hypersonic missiles
- approximately 2 9M727 cruise missiles
- around 4 Kh-32 cruise missiles
The barrage was accompanied by a prolonged, mass attack using strike drones.
Falling debris from intercepted missiles caused fires and building damage across several capital districts. In the Desnianskyi district, debris hit a non-residential building, while in the Dniprovskyi district, a fire broke out in a garage cooperative, igniting a fuel truck. In the Darnytskyi district, debris damaged windows near a private medical facility. The Holosiivskyi district saw a fire start in a non-residential area from falling debris, and in the Solomianskyi district, a six-story office building was damaged.
The Lavra's partial reopening is a significant step in reviving Kyiv's cultural and tourist activities after devastating attacks. The limited access underscores the extensive repairs still needed for damaged structures. These ongoing assaults and their consequences highlight the severe challenges facing the region, necessitating continued state and international support for recovery and preservation.