Russia kills 11 in massive missile assault, sets historic Kyiv cathedral ablaze

Ukraine said Russia launched 70 missiles and 611 drones during the overnight attack, making it one of the biggest aerial assaults of the war.

In Short

• Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro and other areas were heavily targeted overnight
• Historic Dormition Cathedral in Kyiv caught fire, causing cultural outrage
• Russia claims military targets hit; denies responsibility for cathedral damage

Across Kyiv, residents woke to the sound of explosions, air raid sirens and thick smoke hanging over the skyline. Apartment buildings, shops and other civilian sites were damaged after Russia unleashed one of its largest aerial assaults on Ukraine overnight, killing at least 11 people, injuring dozens more and setting part of a historic cathedral in Kyiv ablaze on Monday.

The barrage struck as efforts to end the war continued in the background. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin both held separate calls with US President Donald Trump on Sunday, while leaders prepared to discuss the conflict at the G7 summit in France.

Ukraine said Russia launched 70 missiles and 611 drones during the overnight attack, making it one of the biggest aerial assaults of the war.

The strikes hit Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro and several other areas. According to Ukrainian authorities, at least 11 people were killed and 53 wounded nationwide.

In Kyiv alone, five people lost their lives. More than 30 others were injured, including two young children aged five and six.

Several residential districts were hit within minutes. A high-rise apartment tower suffered major damage. Fires also broke out at a market and grocery store. In another neighbourhood, a residential building was directly struck.

"This is how Russia shows the world its intention to continue the war," Zelenskyy wrote on X.

"It is very important that there be a response from the G7 countries ... and that this response be decisive and substantive; more pressure on the aggressor and more support for Ukraine's air defense, especially anti-ballistic capabilities," he added.

HISTORIC CATHEDRAL DAMAGED

Among the most symbolic targets was the Dormition Cathedral inside the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery complex, one of Ukraine's most important religious and cultural sites. The cathedral's roof caught fire during the attack. Images from the scene showed smoke rising around the complex's famous golden domes, while flames spread across part of the structure.

The monastery, founded in the 11th century, is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has long been regarded as a centre of Ukrainian spiritual life.

Metropolitan Epiphanius, head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, condemned the strike.

He described it as a crime "against humanity, against history, against Christianity".

Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko also reacted strongly.

"A brutal assault on our people and our heritage. This is the true face of Russia's Orthodox values," she wrote on X, calling the monastery a "priceless cultural landmark".

MOSCOW AND KYIV TRADE ACCUSATIONS

Russia's Defence Ministry said the strikes targeted military and industrial facilities involved in the production of drones and missiles. Moscow claimed factories, workshops and military recruitment centres were among the targets hit.

Russian officials also denied responsibility for the damage at the monastery. The Defence Ministry claimed, without providing evidence, that the cathedral may have been struck by a Ukrainian Patriot air defence missile that went off course.

Ukraine rejected that suggestion and blamed Russian drones for the damage.

Zelenskyy called the strike Moscow's "biggest crime yet against Christian culture".

The attack comes at a critical moment for Ukraine as Zelenskyy seeks renewed international backing at the G7 summit. With attention increasingly focused on conflicts elsewhere, Kyiv is pushing allies to maintain military support and strengthen air defence systems.

- Ends
With inputs from agencies