The last time the Dormition Cathedral was destroyed, German forces occupied Kyiv. This week, the attack was Russian. Architectural journalist Asya Zolnikova traces a millennium of history.

The Dormition Cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra caught fire on June 15, 2026, following a Russian drone strike, marking the latest in a millennium of destructions that coincide with occupations of Kyiv. This time, Russian forces are to blame, drawing immediate condemnation from UNESCO and European political leaders. This attack underscores the escalating conflict's devastating impact on Ukraine's rich cultural heritage, echoing a pattern seen during German occupation in World War II. Architectural journalist Asya Zolnikova's exploration highlights the historical significance and the urgent need to preserve these irreplaceable sites.