Ukrainian Security Service Identifies Drone Type Used in Overnight Strike on Kyiv Pechersk Lavra

Strike on the Historic Monastery

According to ХВИЛЯ: In the early hours of June 15, Russia launched an attack on the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, deploying a Geran-2 attack drone-the Russian-made version of Iran’s Shahed. The strike occurred at 01:50 AM during a large-scale bombardment of the capital. Ukraine’s Security Service identified the drone type by analyzing debris recovered from the site.

The drone hit the Stefanivsky side-chapel of the Dormition Cathedral, damaging the roof structure, domes, walls, and glazing. The blast wave also affected nearby civilian buildings in Kyiv’s Pechersk district. Preliminary reports indicate no fatalities or injuries resulted from the attack.

Investigation Underway

Investigators have classified the incident as a war crime and opened criminal proceedings under Article 438, Part 1 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code. The Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office is overseeing the case, working to establish all circumstances of the attack and hold those responsible accountable.

This assault on the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra-a site of profound historical and cultural significance-underscores the ongoing escalation of the conflict in Ukraine and the threat posed by unmanned aerial vehicles. Such actions risk drawing international condemnation and heightening regional tensions. The legal investigation highlights the critical need to prosecute war crimes amid the protracted military conflict.

The recent drone strike on the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra has raised serious concerns not only about the safety of historical sites but also about civilian areas in the capital. This incident follows another overnight attack that similarly targeted both the monastery and residential buildings, highlighting the escalating threat to urban centers in Ukraine. For a deeper understanding of the implications of these assaults, read more about the recent strike on Kyiv's historical and residential areas.