Russian gunfire hit an early 17th century Ukrainian Orthodox monastery in war-torn eastern Ukraine on Saturday, engulfing its main church in flames, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The Russian Defense Ministry denied any involvement, accusing Ukrainian troops of torching the All Saints Monastery before retreating.
The Svyatohirsk Lavra monastery complex belongs to the Moscow Patriarchate’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church and is located near Russian positions in eastern Donetsk, one of two locations targeted by the Kremlin.
In footage shared to Zelensky’s official Telegram channel, flames could be seen burning through the timber walls of a church with onion domes. The validity of the footage could not be verified immediately by Reuters.
“The Svyatohirsk Lavra in the Donetsk region was hit by Russian shelling once more today. All Saints Monastery was demolished. In 1912, it was consecrated. During the Soviet era, it was initially demolished. Later, it was reconstructed, only for the Russian troops to burn it down,” the Ukrainian leader wrote.
Featured Image: Flickr
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