On June 4th, Russian artillery struck the Sviatohirsk Lavra also known as Holy Hill in its latest and most devastating attack. The fire destroyed the Vsikhsviatskyi Skete (All Saints’ Hermitage), an all-wooden chapel that was consecrated in 1912.
The bombing comes days after the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) formally severed ties with Putin’s church in protest of the war. And during a time when Putin is being accused of Soviet-style cultural genocide as the Russians continue to target civilians and churches.
The Sviatohirsk Lavra has been under fire from Russia since May.
And on June 1st, Russian shells exploded in the living cells of the Lavra monks. Four were killed and four others seriously injured in the targeted bombing.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is calling on UNESCO, The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization to expel Russia.
A part of the stated mission of the United Nations is to protect civilians and preserve the historical monuments and social infrastructure in every member state.
Zelensky’s statement
“The occupiers know exactly what object is being shelled. They know that there are no military targets on the territory of the Sviatohirsk Lavra.
