Russia Claims Patriot Missile Struck Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra

MOSCOW — The Russian Ministry of Defense has claimed that a missile from a U.S.-made Patriot air defense system struck the complex of buildings at the Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv.

In a statement issued Monday, June 15, the Russian Defense Ministry said that, according to what it described as “confirmed data,” the historic Orthodox monastery was damaged by a missile launched from the Patriot system.

“The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation do not plan or carry out strikes against civilian infrastructure facilities,” the ministry stated, adding that the Lavra was hit by “a missile from the American Patriot anti-aircraft missile system.”

Russian officials further claimed that a possible reason for the incident was the use of missiles supplied by Western countries that had exceeded their operational expiration dates.

The Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, founded in the 11th century, is one of the most important spiritual centers of Orthodox Christianity and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monastery has been repeatedly affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine, as well as meddling from the Ukrainian government.

The Russian Defense Ministry’s statement did not provide independent evidence for its claim, and Ukrainian authorities have maintained that the damage was caused by Russia. The circumstances surrounding the damage remain disputed.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Metr. Tikhon of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) had sent a letter of support to Metr. Onuphry of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) following the damage to the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.