The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said Russia struck the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra using a Geran-2 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the Russian version of the Iranian-made Shahed kamikaze drone. The conclusion was based on an analysis of drone wreckage recovered at the impact site on Monday, according to an SBU report published on Telegram.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. Dating back to the 11th century, the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, also known as the cave monastery, is considered one of Ukraine’s holiest religious sites.
According to the investigation, Moscow targeted the monastery complex at 1:50 a.m. on Monday, during a massive overnight attack on Kyiv.“During the inspection of the scene, SBU officers found fragments of the hull and engine of the Russian suicide drone, which struck the Stefanovsky Chapel of the Assumption Cathedral on the territory of the Lavra,” the report says.The SBU added that an examination of the wreckage showed some drone components were manufactured in Russia’s Alabuga Special Economic Zone, as indicated by markings found on the fragments.“As a result of the enemy attack, the roofs, domes, walls, and glazing of the cathedral were damaged. The blast wave also damaged neighboring civilian infrastructure in Kyiv’s Pecherskyi district,” the report says.Investigators have classified the strike as a war crime and opened criminal proceedings under Part 1 of Article 438 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code.
