Russia claims Patriot missile hit Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra complex

The Russian Defence Ministry has stated that a missile fired from a U.S.-supplied Patriot air defence system struck the building complex of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv.

According to the Russian Ministry of Defence, one possible reason for the alleged malfunction of the system could be the transfer by Western countries of missiles with expired shelf lives. 

“According to confirmed reports, the complex of buildings at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra was struck by a missile from the American Patriot air defence system. One of the reasons for the system’s malfunction could be that Western countries supplied the Kyiv regime with missiles past their expiration date,” the ministry said.

Earlier on June 15, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported widespread damage and fires across nearly all districts of the capital following a large-scale Russian attack. He confirmed that both injuries and fatalities were recorded.

According to the latest data from Ukraine’s State Emergency Service, four people were killed, and 25 were injured. Klitschko noted that among the injured were a child and a pregnant woman.

He added that three of the injured are in hospital in serious condition.

By Tamilla Hasanova