On January 18, 2025, a missile strike by Russian forces severely damaged the St. Andrew's Cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) in Zaporizhzhia, reports RIA Pivden.
The explosion, caused by a shockwave from the morning attack, led to the complete collapse of the cathedral's ceiling, while the roof largely remained intact. The church's interior, including religious icons and decorations, was extensively damaged.
At the time of the strike, two people were inside the cathedral— the duty priest and a female parishioner— but neither were harmed. There were also external damages to the cathedral's structure.
Additionally, a Russian ballistic missile hit a local business, causing significant destruction. Residential buildings and private vehicles were also damaged.
By 12:30 PM, 10 individuals were reported injured, and 3 others remain missing.
The attack highlights the ongoing impact of Russia's aggression on both civilian and religious sites in Ukraine.
