The Dormition Cathedral of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, one of Orthodox Christianity's oldest and most sacred monasteries, was among the targets in Russia's latest overnight attack on June 15, the Kyiv Independent reported.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said it was hit by a Russian Shahed-type drone.

The cathedral, founded in 1051, is also under UNESCO protection.

Kalmus was asked on ERR's "Ukraina stuudio" on Monday why the site was targeted and if it was accidental or deliberate.

"Of course, it cannot be stated with certainty whether it was accidental or intentional, but clearly, if drones and missiles were launched in that direction, then something was being targeted," he told the show.

"Considering the earlier saga surrounding the separation of the Russian Orthodox Church from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, I think that in the case of the Russians, this could very well have been a deliberate act and an attempt to demoralise the population, which has been done before as well," he continued.

"This is also a good example of the fact that perhaps the Russians have no restraints or limitations when it comes to cultural sites with such symbolic value."

Asked if this was a war crime, he answered: "Absolutely."

Estonia's Deputy Head of Mission in Ukraine, Vahur Soosaar, visited the cathedral to see the damage on Monday along with other diplomatic staff posted to Kyiv, the embassy said.

Vahur Soosaar, Deputy Head of Mission in @EE_Ukraine, together with colleagues from diplomatic corps, visited the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, which was attacked by Russia. Diplomats were shown the serious damage that the Dormition Cathedral had sustained as a result of last shelling. pic.twitter.com/HJWJ99c0Bi

— Estonia in Ukraine (@EE_Ukraine) June 16, 2026

Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna (Eesti 200) said the attack shows Russia has "once again demonstrated its barbarity and contempt for humanity's shared heritage."

"A UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of Christianity's holiest monasteries. A place of worship for nearly a thousand years. Today, it burns because of Russia," he wrote on X.

Russia likes to present itself as the guardian of Christian civilization.

By striking the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, it has instead once again demonstrated its barbarity and contempt for humanity's shared heritage.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of Christianity's holiest… https://t.co/dG2SwzY2K3

— Margus Tsahkna (@Tsahkna) June 15, 2026

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