Switzerland and Ukraine Reach Agreement on Restoring the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra

Restoration of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra

According to Главком: A collaborative effort between Ukraine and Switzerland has been launched to fund the initial phase of rebuilding the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, a UNESCO World Heritage site severely damaged during a Russian attack on the night of June 15. Conservation work on the Dormition Cathedral, which suffered the most extensive harm, is now complete. Its roof has been covered to prevent further deterioration from weather exposure. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy underscored the significance of the restoration, stating:

'During a recent meeting with the President of Switzerland, we agreed that our partners would support the first steps of restoration, and it is crucial that the full outcome is also properly secured.'

The Ukrainian Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been tasked with overseeing the restoration process. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko briefed the President on the involvement of the State Emergency Service and other units within the Ministry of Internal Affairs in managing the aftermath of strikes across various regions. Discussions also covered the roles of the National Guard of Ukraine, the National Police, and the State Border Guard Service in defending the nation on the front lines and securing the northern border areas.

Attack on Kyiv and Its Aftermath

As a reminder, on the night of June 15, Russian forces launched a large-scale combined assault on Kyiv using missiles and attack drones. The attack resulted in five fatalities and nearly forty injuries. A direct hit struck the Dormition Cathedral within the UNESCO-listed monastery complex, triggering a massive fire that engulfed the cathedral’s roof. Sacred relics and liturgical items from the Lavra were evacuated. The Information and Education Department of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church issued an official statement confirming the strike on the Dormition Cathedral. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko has affirmed that the cathedral will be rebuilt.

The Church of the Savior at Berestove reopened to visitors on June 17. Starting June 19, the National Kyiv Pechersk Lavra Reserve partially resumed operations, granting public access to the following sites:

• Near Caves
• Great Lavra Bell Tower
• Church of the Savior at Berestove
• Refectory Church
• Museum exhibitions

Group tours have also resumed, available by prior appointment.

Restoring the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra represents a critical step in preserving Ukraine’s cultural heritage amid the ongoing conflict. The partnership with international allies like Switzerland highlights global solidarity and support for Ukraine’s efforts to rebuild damaged landmarks. The Lavra’s reopening to visitors also carries symbolic weight for Ukrainian society, reflecting a determination to safeguard history and cultural traditions.

In light of the recent agreement between Ukraine and Switzerland, the focus is also on the financial aspects of the restoration. The Ukrainian government is set to allocate funds specifically for the reconstruction of the Dormition Cathedral, which suffered significant damage during the attack. For further details on the funding plans and restoration efforts, read more about the government's commitment to restoring the cathedral.