The attacks combined ballistic missiles and Shahed drones, triggering explosions across the Ukrainian capital and prompting residents to seek shelter as authorities warned of incoming strikes. Ukrainian officials said the assault caused extensive damage to civilian infrastructure and residential areas.

In Kharkiv, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said five rescuers were killed when a second strike hit while emergency crews were responding to a fire caused by an earlier attack. At least five additional emergency workers were reported wounded.

Kyiv authorities said multiple districts of the capital were affected. Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, reported that at least 20 people, including a child, sought medical treatment following the attacks.

According to city officials, five strikes hit civilian locations in Kyiv’s Shevchenkivskyi district within less than 30 minutes. Among the damaged sites were a 25-story residential building, a market, and a grocery store that caught fire. A separate strike directly hit a nine-story apartment building in the city’s Obolonskyi district.

Ukrainian officials accused Russia of intentionally targeting residential areas. Russian authorities had not immediately commented on the allegations, and independent verification was not immediately available.

Historic Religious Landmark Damaged

The attacks also affected the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a centuries-old monastic complex regarded as one of Ukraine’s most significant religious sites.

Tkachenko said substantial damage was recorded at the complex and that a serious fire broke out during the attack. Metropolitan Epiphanius, head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, stated that the roof of the Dormition Cathedral caught fire overnight.

The cathedral is part of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, also known as the Monastery of the Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has served as a major center of Orthodox Christianity for centuries.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra consists of monasteries, churches, and underground cave systems developed between the 11th and 19th centuries. The site overlooks the Dnipro River and has long attracted pilgrims from across the region.

Its network of caves extends more than 600 meters (about 2,000 feet), linking religious structures that hold deep historical and spiritual significance for Ukraine and the wider Orthodox Christian world.

The latest attack highlights the continuing impact of the war on both civilian populations and culturally significant sites as hostilities continue across Ukraine. Details regarding the full extent of the damage remain unclear.

Tags: Ukraine, Russia, Kyiv, Kharkiv, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, Conflict

The post Russian Strikes Damage Historic Kyiv Religious Site as Attacks Kill Rescuers in Kharkiv appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has largely held, though tensions remain high near the Israel-Lebanon border. The ceasefire, brokered after over a year of intense conflict, faces challenges as both sides accuse each other of violations.

Israel Strikes Back
The Israeli military reported artillery fire and airstrikes in southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah activities. These actions followed observations of suspicious movements near a Hezbollah weapons facility and vehicles breaching the ceasefire terms.

Meanwhile, Lebanon accused Israel of multiple violations and stated it was closely monitoring the situation.

Calm Amid Uncertainty
Despite sporadic clashes, the ceasefire has brought a relative calm to the border region. Military bases, once abuzz with activity, now show signs of a slower pace. Soldiers are seen performing routine maintenance, and some express cautious optimism.

“We’re glad to be out of the fighting, but if Hezbollah remains a threat, we know we might have to return,” said one Israeli captain.

Public Sentiment Divided
Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have expressed confidence, lifting some restrictions in border areas and dismantling protective structures. Netanyahu also warned of a forceful response if Hezbollah breaches the ceasefire.

However, not everyone shares this optimism. Michael Kabesa, mayor of Hatzor Haglilit, called the ceasefire a “surrender.” “We didn’t finish the job,” he said, predicting future conflict if Hezbollah regains strength.

Rebuilding and Returning Home
For northern Israeli communities evacuated at the war’s onset, returning home is a priority. Many residents, like Kabesa, demand robust military presence and long-term security assurances. Israeli forces plan to gradually hand over control of southern Lebanon to the Lebanese army, supported by UNIFIL and oversight from U.S. and French forces.

Yet Kabesa remains skeptical. “No international force can guarantee our safety. We have to protect ourselves,” he said, referencing lessons learned from the devastating Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023.

Resilience Amid Destruction
Some residents in the north chose not to evacuate during the war. Chris Coyle, a Scottish immigrant living in Kiryat Shmona, witnessed months of relentless Hezbollah rocket fire.

“Missiles hit several times a day. I had just four seconds to find cover, so I used to lie behind the fridge,” he recounted. Despite the destruction, Coyle believes the ceasefire offers hope for rebuilding.

“I’ve spoken to neighbors who plan to return. It’ll take time, but the town can come back to life,” he said.

Cautious Optimism Among Soldiers
Israeli troops leaving Lebanon see this as a chance for reflection. “It’s a moment to evaluate,” said the same army captain. “I hope our leaders will use this opportunity wisely but know when to react if necessary.”

While the ceasefire holds for now, residents and soldiers alike remain wary of what lies ahead.

Source

The post Fragile Ceasefire Brings Hope and Doubts to Israel-Lebanon Border appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.