Russia Denies Striking Kyiv Monastery

Russia has denied accusations that it targeted the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, during an overnight attack on the Ukrainian capital.

According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, damage to the historic monastery complex was caused by a US-made Patriot air-defense missile that may have malfunctioned.

A fire broke out on the monastery grounds during what Ukrainian authorities described as the largest Russian attack on Kyiv in two weeks. Moscow said its strikes were aimed at military facilities and drone-production sites.

Ukraine and several Western countries have accused Russia of hitting the religious complex during the assault.

Russia’s Defense Ministry insisted that Russian forces do not target civilian infrastructure. The competing claims could not be independently verified, according to Reuters.

(reuters, est)