Ukraine's Security Service shows fragments of Russian drone that hit Kyiv Pechersk Lavra – photos

The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has confirmed that Russia struck Kyiv Pechersk Lavra with a Geran-2 unmanned aerial vehicle, the Russian version of the Iranian-made Shahed-type kamikaze drone.

Source: SSU

Details: The conclusion was reached after analysis of drone debris found at the site of the strike.

The investigation found that Russian forces attacked the monastery complex at 01:50 on 15 June during a massive attack on Ukraine's capital.

After inspecting the scene, SSU officers found elements of the body and engine of the Russian kamikaze drone that hit the Chapel of St Stephen in the Dormition Cathedral on the grounds of the Lavra.

Examination of the drone elements found that some of its components had been manufactured in Russia's Alabuga special economic zone.

This was indicated by the relevant markings found on fragments of the Russian drone.

The Russian strike damaged the cathedral's roof structures, domes, walls and glazing. No one was killed or injured.

Neighbouring civilian infrastructure buildings in Kyiv's Pecherskyi district were also damaged by the blast wave.

SSU investigators are treating the strike as a war crime and have opened criminal proceedings under Article 438.1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. A range of measures are being taken to establish all the circumstances of the Russian attack and bring those responsible to justice.

Why this matters: Russia's Ministry of Defence has claimed that the cathedral on the grounds of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra was struck not by Russian forces, but by a missile from a Patriot air defence system.

The Russians have been using published photos of missile debris in Ukraine to promote their own narratives that Ukrainians are attacking themselves. The Air Force has urged people not to publish images of fragments of missiles and other weapons.

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