Switzerland will allocate 600,000 Swiss francs, or about 730,000 dollars, to prepare for the restoration of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and protect the complex from further destruction. The historical buildings were damaged as a result of a Russian airstrike in June 2026.
This was reported by the Federal Council of Switzerland.
The allocation of funds was announced by the Swiss side on August 15 during events marking the 975th anniversary of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery complex. Switzerland was represented at the celebration by the Federal Council’s delegate for Ukraine, Jacques Herber.
“Switzerland announces the allocation of 600,000 Swiss francs for the preparation of the restoration of the cave monastery, which was damaged due to a Russian airstrike in June 2026, as well as for its protection from further destruction,” the Federal Council’s message reads.
The funds will primarily be directed to preparatory work for future restoration and the protection of historical buildings from further damage. The Federal Council emphasized that Ukraine continues to suffer from intensive Russian air attacks. As a result of the strike on June 15, 2026, the Assumption Cathedral and other historical buildings on the territory of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra were damaged.
The Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra is one of the most important religious and historical-cultural complexes in Ukraine and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sybiha welcomed Switzerland’s decision to allocate funds. According to him, such support is especially significant for the preservation of Ukrainian cultural and historical heritage, which continues to suffer from Russian attacks.
Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine
