Russia Pins Lavra Strike on Expired Patriot Missile as Shahed Debris Counters Moscow’s Claim

Russia denied striking Kyiv’s UNESCO-listed Lavra and claimed a US Patriot missile malfunction caused the damage, a claim contradicted by on-site Shahed drone debris. The overnight attack involved about 70 missiles and 611 drones. Zelensky urged the G7 to respond decisively and boost Ukraine’s air defenses, while UNESCO condemned the strike as an attack on cultural heritage and the EU announced sanctions tied to Russia’s war economy.