At least 11 people have been killed in a fresh wave of Russian strikes across Ukraine, including attacks that sparked a fire at one of Kyiv’s most important religious landmarks, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Officials said four people were killed in attacks on the Ukrainian capital, while five rescue workers lost their lives while battling a blaze caused by a strike on the northeastern city of Kharkiv.
Among the sites damaged was the 11th-century Dormition Cathedral, a historic religious monument in Kyiv. Zelensky condemned the attack, describing it as “one of the biggest Russian crimes against Christian culture today.” Russia, however, denied targeting the cathedral.
The attacks also caused widespread disruption in the capital. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said drone and missile strikes ignited fires in buildings and vehicles, leaving more than 140,000 residents without electricity.
Air raid alerts were issued across much of Ukraine on Monday morning as authorities warned of the continuing threat of further attacks.
In Kyiv, strikes on several residential buildings left at least 23 people injured. Zelensky said the nationwide casualty toll had risen to 53 wounded.
Meanwhile, Russian officials reported that a Ukrainian drone strike on the city of Tula killed three people and injured three others, including a one-year-old child.
The latest escalation highlights the continuing intensity of the conflict, with both sides reporting civilian casualties and damage to key infrastructure.
The Dormition Cathedral forms part of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a historic monastic complex recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural, religious and architectural significance.
Images from the scene showed extensive damage to the cathedral, with a large hole torn through one side of the structure and flames rising from sections of its partially collapsed roof.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia launched 70 missiles and 611 drones during the overnight assault. He added that emergency crews had since brought the fire under control.
The attack drew widespread international condemnation, with French President Emmanuel Macron joining Zelensky in denouncing the strike.
“Nothing justifies this attack on our universal heritage,” Macron wrote on X.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also condemned the assault, describing the attacks on the cathedral and Ukrainian civilians as “war crimes.”
The latest strikes come ahead of this week’s G7 leaders’ summit in France, where the war in Ukraine is expected to feature prominently on the agenda.
Zelensky called on world leaders to respond with stronger measures, saying the international community’s reaction must be “decisive and meaningful.” He urged allies to increase pressure on Russia and provide Ukraine with additional air defence capabilities, particularly anti-ballistic missile systems..
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had held discussions with US President Donald Trump on ongoing efforts to bring an end to the war between Ukraine and Russia.
Russia, meanwhile, claimed that a US-made Patriot air defence missile struck the cathedral, suggesting it may have malfunctioned and hit the site accidentally. However, Russian authorities did not provide evidence to support the allegation.
The Russian military said its latest large-scale attack was aimed at Ukrainian military facilities.
The cathedral has been damaged before during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began in 2022.
In January, several buildings within the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra complex were damaged during Russian attacks, according to Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture.
The historic site has also endured destruction in the past. According to UNESCO, the cathedral was almost completely destroyed during World War II, with only its south-eastern tower remaining intact.
UNESCO strongly condemned the latest strike on what it described as one of Ukraine’s most important spiritual and cultural landmarks.
In a statement, the UN agency said attacks on cultural institutions deprive communities of access to culture, education and shared public spaces that play a vital role in recovery, resilience and social cohesion during times of crisis.