Cross from Kyiv Lavra, downed by a Russian drone, becomes centerpiece of URC2026

Cross from Ivan Kushnyk Tower showcased at Ukraine Recovery Conference

According to Главком: A cross from the Ivan Kushnyk Tower, struck by a Russian drone during the June 15 attack on the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, is now on display at the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2026) in Gdańsk. That assault damaged 19 structures within the Lavra complex, including the Dormition Cathedral, which lost over 80% of its roof to fire. Remarkably, the cross had been restored and reinstalled on its tower just a year and a half before the enemy strike, making its survival all the more poignant.

Deals and support at URC2026

At URC2026, held in Gdańsk, Ukraine secured around 160 agreements worth a combined total of over €10 billion. Among these, a package of 28 energy deals exceeding €1 billion was signed. Additionally, a declaration backing the Ukraine Transport Recovery Fund was inked with the participation of Lithuania, Estonia, and Sweden. The conference marked a critical milestone in the nation’s rebuilding after devastating attacks.

“This cross saved lives. It absorbed the impact of a second Russian drone, causing the unmanned aircraft to change course and miss the emergency responders,” said Maksym Ostapenko.

The sixth Ukraine Recovery Conference is scheduled for 2027 in Tallinn, where Estonia will take over the hosting duties from Poland during the closing ceremony of URC2026 in Gdańsk.

Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction remains a pressing issue for the international community. URC2026 served as a vital platform for attracting investment and fostering cooperation among nations, underscoring global solidarity in the recovery process. The cross from the Ivan Kushnyk Tower not only embodies Ukrainian resilience but also highlights the urgent need to restore damaged cultural heritage sites.

In addition to the poignant display of the cross, the conference highlighted various initiatives, including the 17 projects presented by the Rivne Region, aimed at enhancing Ukraine's recovery efforts. These endeavors reflect the collective commitment to rebuild and restore the nation's infrastructure and cultural heritage in the wake of ongoing challenges.