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The apparent impact site of a drone on the Dormition Cathedral seen on June 15. Images from the site appear to show extensive damage to the roof of the cathedral, which was set ablaze during the overnight barrage, but little damage to its interior. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russian drones “deliberately targeted” the part of the city where the monastery complex is located. Archimandrite Avraamiy, a vicar at the Lavra, told RFE/RL that the strike felt like “an enemy bullet had hit you straight in the heart.” Russia denies it targeted the monastery and claimed the damage was due to wayward Ukrainian air defenses, but did not provide evidence. Numerous Russian drone and missile attacks have hit apartment buildings, civilian facilities, and cultural sites, causing widespread damage and casualties.
