Lviv: A historic monastery in western Ukraine has been damaged in a large Russian missile and drone attack, raising fresh concerns about the safety of cultural and religious heritage sites during the war.
The attack took place in the city of Lviv, far from the front lines, where air strikes hit areas near the Bernardine Monastery, a centuries old religious complex. Parts of the monastery and the nearby St Andrew’s Church suffered damage, with reports of broken structures and fire in the surrounding area.
Local authorities said several people were injured in the attack, while emergency teams rushed to control fires and assess the damage. The strike was part of a wider wave of attacks across Ukraine, in which Russia launched a large number of drones and missiles targeting multiple cities.
The monastery is considered one of the most important historic and spiritual sites in Lviv. Built in the seventeenth century, it forms part of the city’s historic centre, which is recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site. The complex is known for its architectural value and its long connection to Christian worship and community life in the region.
Cultural experts and officials have expressed concern that the damage to the monastery marks one of the most serious hits to a historic church since the war began. They warn that continued attacks on such sites could lead to the loss of important parts of European cultural history.
UNESCO has said it is closely monitoring the situation and is preparing to assess the extent of the damage. Ukrainian officials have also called for stronger international attention to protect cultural landmarks during the conflict.
The latest strike comes at a time of increased military activity, with Ukraine reporting a surge in drone and missile attacks in recent days. Several regions have faced repeated air raid alerts, and civilian areas as well as infrastructure have been affected.
The incident in Lviv shows that even cities far from the battlefield are not safe from the ongoing conflict. It also highlights the growing risk to places of faith and history, as the war continues to impact not only lives but also the cultural identity of the country.