Founded in 1051, the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra has survived Mongol raids, WWII destruction, and Soviet attacks. It was hit again in a Russian attack on June 15. Since the full-scale invasion, 1,913 Ukrainian cultural sites have been damaged or destroyed. meduza.io/en/feature/2026/06/1…
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.
On June 15, 2026, the roof of the Dormition Cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra caught fire after a Russian drone attack on Kyiv.Meduza
HistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴
in reply to Meduza in English • • •#HPsCommentary
#Russia #WarInUkraine #UNESCO
👉#PutinUnmasked by #CaveMonastery 🧵👈
(1/n)
👉Putin retraces real spiritual leaders of his regime, the 1941 #Nazi ocupation force which blew up the #DormitionCathedral: 👈
youtu.be/HLEX7oPK3L0
#Putler's next #WarCrime 1) and probable #CrimeAgainstHumanity 2) unmask his utmost hypocrisy, even of his most central, *alleged* tenets:
#VladimirPutin's central 2021 essay, "*On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians*" 3)
...
- YouTube
youtu.beHistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴
in reply to HistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴 • • •#Russia #WarInUkraine #UNESCO
👉#PutinUnmasked by #CaveMonastery, a 🧵👈
(2/n)
Therein:
👉#Putin's Conceptualization of #Kiev and #KievanRus as *Common* #CulturalHeritage: 👈
1. The primacy of Kievan Rus as a unified civilizational project,
2. Kiev's institutional supremacy and canonical precedence,
3. The adoption of #OrthodoxChristianity as the decisive cultural and civilizational marker unifying the #Rus lands,
4. #Linguistic continuity and shared language,
5. #Kiev...
HistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴
in reply to HistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴 • • •#Russia #WarInUkraine #UNESCO
👉#PutinUnmasked by #CaveMonastery, a 🧵👈
(3/n)
...has a symbolic and historical role as a repository of #Rus cultural identity despite political dispersion. After the "devastating invasion of #Batu #Khan,
6. Western #Catholicism and #Polish influence represent an active threat and corrosive force against the preservation of #Rus cultural heritage,
7. #Kiev...
HistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴
in reply to HistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴 • • •#Russia #WarInUkraine #UNESCO
👉#PutinUnmasked by #CaveMonastery, a 🧵👈
(4/n)
...as a sacred site of reunification and #orthodox identity.
*Essence of #Putin's 2021 essay:*
👉#Putin's treatment of #Kyviv and #KievanRus cultural heritage constructs a narrative of unbroken civilizational continuity anchored in language, #OrthodoxChristianity, and dynastic legitimacy.👈 Cultural artifacts—chronicles, geographical names, ecclesiastical institutions—are enlisted to support the claim...
HistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴
in reply to HistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴 • • •#Russia #WarInUkraine #UNESCO
👉#PutinUnmasked by #CaveMonastery, a 🧵👈
(5/n)
...that territorial, ethnic, and religious boundaries have been artificially imposed upon an underlying unity. #Kiev occupies a unique position in this framework: simultaneously the symbolic mother-city of Rus civilization, a repository of #Orthodox sacred authority, and a strategic territorial objective whose "return" to #Russian sovereignty represents the restoration of...
HistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴
in reply to HistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴 • • •#Russia #WarInUkraine #UNESCO
👉#PutinUnmasked by #CaveMonastery, a 🧵👈
(6/n)
...historical and cultural wholeness.
//
*Footnotes:*
1) Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court [#ICC] (Article 8(2)(b)(ix)) — deliberate destruction of cultural heritage constitutes a war crime.
2) Criteria (under #ICC Rome Statute, Article 7):
a.) Systematic or widespread...
HistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴
in reply to HistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴 • • •#Russia #WarInUkraine #UNESCO
👉#PutinUnmasked by #CaveMonastery, a 🧵👈
(7/n)
......character ✓ (1,913 sites over 4 years)
b.) Knowledge of the attack ✓ (documented #Russian strikes, 👉previous hits having come close since 2022👈)
c.) Part of a plan or policy — This *might* be debatable but the scale suggests systematic targeting.
*The argument for crimes against humanity:*
I) Collective punishment — destroying #Ukrainian cultural heritage to demoralize and...
HistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴
in reply to HistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴 • • •#Russia #WarInUkraine #UNESCO
👉#PutinUnmasked by #CaveMonastery, a 🧵👈
(8/n)
...subjugate the population
II) 👉#EthnicCleansing — erasing #Ukrainian national identity by destroying monuments that define it👈
Assault on civilian morale — targeting religious and cultural identity as a weapon of war.
3) "Об историческом единстве русских и украинцев" (On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians),...
HistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴
in reply to HistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴 • • •#Russia #WarInUkraine #UNESCO
👉#PutinUnmasked by #CaveMonastery, a 🧵👈
(9/n)
...published July 12, 2021 on the official Kremlin website: kremlin.ru/events/president/ne…
*Footnotes:*
(1/n)
1) Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court [#ICC] (Article 8(2)(b)(ix)) —...
Статья Владимира Путина «Об историческом единстве русских и украинцев»
Президент РоссииHistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴
in reply to HistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴 • • •#Russia #WarInUkraine #UNESCO
👉#PutinUnmasked by #CaveMonastery, a 🧵👈
(10/n)
...deliberate destruction of cultural heritage constitutes a war crime.
2) Criteria (under #ICC Rome Statute, Article 7):
a.) Systematic or widespread character ✓ (1,913 sites over 4 years)
b.) Knowledge of the attack ✓ (documented Russian strikes, previous hits having come close since 2022)
c.) Part of a plan or policy — This *might* be debatable but the scale suggests systematic targeting.
*The..
HistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴
in reply to HistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴 • • •#Russia #WarInUkraine #UNESCO
👉#PutinUnmasked by #CaveMonastery, a 🧵👈
(11/n)
...for crimes against humanity:*
I) Collective punishment — destroying #Ukrainian cultural heritage to demoralize and subjugate the population
II) 👉Ethnic cleansing — erasing #Ukrainian national identity by destroying monuments that define it👈
Assault on civilian morale — targeting religious and cultural identity as a weapon of war.
3) "Об историческом единстве русских и украинцев"...
HistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴
in reply to HistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴 • • •#Russia #WarInUkraine #UNESCO
👉#PutinUnmasked by #CaveMonastery, a 🧵👈
(12/n)
...(On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians), published July 12, 2021 on the official Kremlin website: kremlin.ru/events/president/ne…
The contradictions between #Putin's words and his deeds.
Here are the most damning quotes from Putin's essay when contrasted with the destroyed cathedral and 1,913 cultural sites:
...
Статья Владимира Путина «Об историческом единстве русских и украинцев»
Президент РоссииHistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴
in reply to HistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴 • • •(13/n)
On Shared Orthodox Civilization
Quote 1:
"А после крещения Руси – и одной православной верой. Духовный выбор святого Владимира, который был и Новгородским, и великим Киевским князем, и сегодня во многом определяет н
... Show more...(13/n)
On Shared Orthodox Civilization
Quote 1:
"А после крещения Руси – и одной православной верой. Духовный выбор святого Владимира, который был и Новгородским, и великим Киевским князем, и сегодня во многом определяет наше родство."
Translation: "And after the baptism of Rus — and one Orthodox faith. The spiritual choice of Saint Vladimir, who was both a Novgorod and great Kiev prince, still determines our kinship today."
Contrast: The #Dormition ...
HistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴
in reply to HistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴 • • •Cathedral — the supreme embodiment of that "spiritual choice" — now lies in flames from #Russian drone strikes.
On #Kiev's Preeminence
Quote 2:
"Киевский княжеский стол занимал главенствующее положение в Древнерусском государстве...Слова Вещего Олега о Киеве: «Да будет это ма
... Show more...Cathedral — the supreme embodiment of that "spiritual choice" — now lies in flames from #Russian drone strikes.
On #Kiev's Preeminence
Quote 2:
"Киевский княжеский стол занимал главенствующее положение в Древнерусском государстве...Слова Вещего Олега о Киеве: «Да будет это мать городам русским» – сохранила для потомков «Повесть временных лет»."
Translation: "The Kiev princely throne held the supreme position in the Ancient Rus state...The words of Oleg the Wise about Kiev: 'Let..
@meduza_en
HistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴
in reply to HistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴 • • •...this be the mother of #Russian cities'—were preserved for posterity by the Tale of Bygone Years."
Contrast: The "mother of Russian cities" is being systematically reduced to rubble by forces claiming to defend that very heritage.
On Spiritual Bonds Transcending Political Division
Quote 3:
"И русские, и украинцы, и белорусы – наследники Древней Руси...Они искали поддержки у людей одного языка и, конечно, одной ве
... Show more......this be the mother of #Russian cities'—were preserved for posterity by the Tale of Bygone Years."
Contrast: The "mother of Russian cities" is being systematically reduced to rubble by forces claiming to defend that very heritage.
On Spiritual Bonds Transcending Political Division
Quote 3:
"И русские, и украинцы, и белорусы – наследники Древней Руси...Они искали поддержки у людей одного языка и, конечно, одной веры."
Translation: "Russians, Ukrainians, and Belarusians are all
@meduza_en
HistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴
in reply to HistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴 • • •...heirs of Ancient #Rus...They sought support from people of one language and, of course, one faith."
Contrast:
👉That "one faith" is being deliberately targeted. Over 1,900 cultural and religious sites destroyed — a systematic erasure of the spiritual bonds Putin claims to defend.👈
On the #DormitionCathedral Specifically (Indirect)
Quote 4:
"Представители казачьей старши́ны, включённые в дворянское сословие, достигали в России высот
... Show more......heirs of Ancient #Rus...They sought support from people of one language and, of course, one faith."
Contrast:
👉That "one faith" is being deliberately targeted. Over 1,900 cultural and religious sites destroyed — a systematic erasure of the spiritual bonds Putin claims to defend.👈
On the #DormitionCathedral Specifically (Indirect)
Quote 4:
"Представители казачьей старши́ны, включённые в дворянское сословие, достигали в России высот политической, дипломатической, военной карьеры. @meduza_en
HistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴
in reply to HistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴 • • •...Выпускники Киево-Могилянской академии играли ведущую роль в церковной жизни."
Translation: "Representatives of the #Cossack elite, admitted to the noble class, reached the highest levels of political, diplomatic, and military careers in Russia. Graduates of the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy played a leading role in church life."
Contrast: The Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, located within the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, depends on the Dormition Cathedral—now destroyed. The institutional continuity #Putin.. @
... Show more......Выпускники Киево-Могилянской академии играли ведущую роль в церковной жизни."
Translation: "Representatives of the #Cossack elite, admitted to the noble class, reached the highest levels of political, diplomatic, and military careers in Russia. Graduates of the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy played a leading role in church life."
Contrast: The Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, located within the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, depends on the Dormition Cathedral—now destroyed. The institutional continuity #Putin.. @meduza_en
HistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴
in reply to HistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴 • • •...celebrates is being annihilated.
On Cultural Unity and Continuity
Quote 5:
"Юго-западные земли Российской империи, Малороссия и Новороссия, Крым развивались как многообразные по своему этническому и религиозному составу. Здесь жили крымски
... Show more......celebrates is being annihilated.
On Cultural Unity and Continuity
Quote 5:
"Юго-западные земли Российской империи, Малороссия и Новороссия, Крым развивались как многообразные по своему этническому и религиозному составу. Здесь жили крымские татары, армяне, греки, евреи, караимы, крымчаки, болгары, поляки, сербы, немцы и другие народы. Все они сохраняли свою веру, традиции, обычаи."
Translation: "The southwestern lands of the #Russian Empire—Little Russia and New #Russia,
@meduza_en
HistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴
in reply to HistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴 • • •#Crimea—developed as diverse in their ethnic and religious composition. Crimean #Tatars, #Armenians, #Greeks, #Jews, and many other peoples lived here. All of them preserved their faith, traditions, and customs."
Contrast: If this multicultural, multireligious heritage was worth preserving in Putin's historical narrative, why is it being systematically destroyed now? The selective destruction of Orthodox sites (1913 damaged or destroyed) betrays the supposed commitment to religious @meduza_en
HistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴
in reply to HistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴 • • •..and cultural pluralism.
On Unity Despite Fragmentation
Quote 6:
"При этом и знать, и простые люди воспринимали Русь как общее пространство, как свою Отчизну."
Translation: "Both nobility and common people perceived Rus as a common space, as their Fatherland."
Contrast: This "common space" is being reduced to ashes. A "Fatherland" that bombs its own sacred monuments is no Fatherland at all—it is a war machine against culture itself.
The Rhetorical Auto-destruction
... Show more...Quote 7 (Most @meduza_en
..and cultural pluralism.
On Unity Despite Fragmentation
Quote 6:
"При этом и знать, и простые люди воспринимали Русь как общее пространство, как свою Отчизну."
Translation: "Both nobility and common people perceived Rus as a common space, as their Fatherland."
Contrast: This "common space" is being reduced to ashes. A "Fatherland" that bombs its own sacred monuments is no Fatherland at all—it is a war machine against culture itself.
The Rhetorical Auto-destruction
Quote 7 (Most @meduza_en
HistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴
in reply to HistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴 • • •Damning):
"Ничего подобного, кстати, не было при заключении Люблинской унии."
Translation: "By the way, nothing like this occurred during the conclusion of the #Lublin Union."
Context & Contrast: Putin uses this phrase to praise the 1654 reunion of Ukrainian lands with Moscow, contrasting it favorably with Polish-Western subjugation. Yet he is now demonstrating that what he condemned in the Polish occupation—the desecration of Orthodox heritage—he himself is executing with drones @meduza_en
... Show more...Damning):
"Ничего подобного, кстати, не было при заключении Люблинской унии."
Translation: "By the way, nothing like this occurred during the conclusion of the #Lublin Union."
Context & Contrast: Putin uses this phrase to praise the 1654 reunion of Ukrainian lands with Moscow, contrasting it favorably with Polish-Western subjugation. Yet he is now demonstrating that what he condemned in the Polish occupation—the desecration of Orthodox heritage—he himself is executing with drones @meduza_en
HistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴
in reply to HistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴 • • •...and missiles. The comparison he makes to justify his own historical narrative becomes an indictment of his current military actions...
The effect is devastating internal contradiction: #Putin's entire essay is a 32,000–35,000 word legal brief defending the preservation of Orthodox-Rus civilization. Every quote becomes a confession of the opposite crime.
👉The essay has by now become a bill of indictment against #VladimirPutin himself.👈
//
@meduza_en