The Kyiv Cave Monastery bell tower is playing the Ukrainian national anthem while rescuers are extinguishing a fire at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra and Mystetskyi Arsenal following Russia’s overnight attack.

The Kyiv Pechersk Lavra is one of the most important places of Christianity, which has survived centuries of history and many tragedies. Today it is facing Russian barbarism. The Mystetskyi Arsenal, a major cultural venue for exhibitions and events, was also hit and damaged by Russia.

Moscow deliberately targeted some of the most important historic and cultural sites in Kyiv. A strong international response is needed. The aggressor state must not be allowed to freely destroy world cultural heritage.