Kyiv, 15 June (HS): A major Russian attack on Ukraine's capital Kyiv triggered a fire at the historic Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery complex, leaving at least four people dead and more than 20 injured, according to local authorities.

Images and videos released after the attack showed flames rising from the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a history spanning nearly 1,000 years.

Ukraine's emergency services said firefighters were deployed to contain the blaze near the Dormition Cathedral within the monastery complex. Ukrainian Culture Minister Tetiana Berezhna said the cathedral had suffered damage in the attack.

Metropolitan Epiphanius appealed for prayers to help protect the historic religious site from destruction.

According to Kyiv Military Administration chief Tymur Tkachenko, at least four people were killed and more than 20 others sustained injuries in the strike.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the attack also disrupted electricity supply to around 140,000 households in the northern part of the capital.

The Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 2023, it was placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger due to the threat posed by the ongoing conflict.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said at least five people were killed and five others injured in Russian bombardment of the northeastern city of Kharkiv.

The attacks occurred as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was engaged in talks with US President Donald Trump. According to the Kremlin, Trump also spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar