Kyiv: A historic Ukrainian cathedral recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site has suffered damage following a series of Russian airstrikes on Tuesday. The attack, which struck cities including Kyiv and Odessa, claimed the lives of seven people and left thirteen injured, according to the Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA). Among the affected sites was the revered Saint Sophia Cathedral, an architectural treasure that houses 11th-century frescoes and mosaics.

The Ukrainian government reported that Russia deployed over 300 drones during the coordinated attacks. President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the damage to the cathedral, underscoring the cultural and religious significance of the site. Ukraine’s Minister of Culture, Mykola Tochiski, echoed the president's statement, confirming that the historic structure sustained notable harm due to the explosion.

Saint Sophia Cathedral holds deep spiritual and national value for Ukrainians and Orthodox Christians around the world. It is one of the few surviving monuments from the Kievan Rus’ period and symbolizes the cultural endurance of Eastern Christianity. The General Council of Churches of Ukraine issued a statement condemning the continued targeting of religious sites, revealing that since the onset of the Russian invasion, at least 670 places of worship have been struck.

The council further reported that roughly 60 faithful, belonging to different denominations, have lost their lives due to these attacks, while numerous clergy members have been detained under questionable circumstances. As sacred heritage sites come under fire, Ukraine continues to appeal to the international community for stronger protection of religious and cultural monuments amidst ongoing aggression.