Russia and Ukraine dispute cause of fire at Kyiv’s Lavra during overnight missile and drone attack

Russia denies striking Kyiv’s UNESCO-listed Pechersk Lavra after the historic monastery complex catches fire during an overnight large-scale attack. According to Moscow, the damage is linked to a US-made Patriot missile, which Russia says malfunctioned or was “expired,” and it suggests the missile hit the UNESCO site. Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy reject that explanation, saying a Russian attack caused significant damage to the religious and cultural heritage site. The incident occurs amid a broader wave of strikes across Ukraine, with reports describing extensive use of missiles and drones overnight. Ukraine’s position emphasizes accountability for the attack, while Russia’s position centers on attributing the site damage to a failed air-defense interceptor. The dispute reflects competing narratives about responsibility for damage to high-profile infrastructure and heritage sites during the ongoing war. While both sides acknowledge the monastery complex is damaged and that an intense strike campaign is underway, they differ sharply on what caused the fire at the Lavra.