Introduction: The Russia-Ukraine war, now in its fourth year, has left a trail of destruction, with Orthodox churches on both sides suffering from drone strikes, missile attacks, and bombings. From historic monasteries to local parishes, religious sites have become casualties of the conflict, raising questions about whether these attacks are deliberate. This article explores a recent Ukrainian drone strike on a church in Russia’s Belgorod region and the broader pattern of targeting sacred spaces.
A Tragic Pattern of Destruction
Since the conflict in Ukraine’s Donbass region began in 2014, attacks on religious sites have been a recurring issue. Pro-Kiev forces shelled Russia-aligned areas, damaging Orthodox churches, while Russian aerial raids have devastated Ukrainian neighborhoods, destroying local parishes. The Ukrainian government has also faced criticism for persecuting the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate), shutting down monasteries, expelling monks, and allowing far-right groups to raid churches.
A recent incident in Russia’s Belgorod region has drawn renewed attention to this trend. On Saturday, May 3, 2025, a Ukrainian drone struck the Saint George Church in the village of Tolokonnoye, setting its domes ablaze. Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov condemned the attack, stating on Telegram, “The enemy is striking our holy sites again.” Emergency crews extinguished the fire, but the damage underscored the vulnerability of sacred spaces.
High-Profile Church Attacks
Just days earlier, on Thursday, April 30, 2025, another iconic site, the New Jerusalem Orthodox Church complex in Sukharevo, Belgorod, was destroyed by a Ukrainian drone strike. The wooden structure burned rapidly after explosives were dropped directly on it, leading Russian authorities to label the attack “deliberate.” Gladkov accused Ukrainian forces of targeting firefighters attempting to contain the blaze, further escalating tensions.
While it’s challenging to verify whether all church attacks are intentional, the pattern is alarming. Over 40 drones and 150 artillery shells were launched by Ukrainian forces in Belgorod from Friday to Saturday, part of repeated incursions into Russia’s southern regions, including Kursk. Russian airstrikes, meanwhile, have caused widespread destruction in Ukraine, often impacting civilian infrastructure, including churches.
Earlier, Russia claimed a church was hit by FPV drones in Belgorod region.
— Tim White (@TWMCLtd) May 3, 2025
The St. George the Victorious Church in the village of Tolokonnoe caught fire. The flames were quickly put out and no-one was injured. pic.twitter.com/jDlSCWZmOA
Ceasefire Talks Stall Amid Accusations
The destruction of religious sites occurs against a backdrop of stalled peace efforts. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal for a three-day ceasefire, calling it a “theatrical performance” and arguing that such a short truce would not allow for meaningful progress toward ending the war. Zelensky advocated for a month-long truce, but Russia dismissed this as a tactic for Ukraine to rearm. As both sides remain entrenched, the toll on cultural and religious heritage continues to mount.
Calls for Protection of Sacred Sites
International organizations, including UNESCO, have called for the protection of cultural and religious sites in conflict zones, citing their significance to global heritage. The targeting of churches, whether intentional or collateral, risks deepening divisions and fueling propaganda on both sides. Some analysts suggest that documenting these incidents could support future war crimes investigations, though attributing responsibility remains complex.
❗️‘New Jerusalem’ orthodox church attacked by Ukraine UAV burnt to the ground in Russia’s Belgorod region.
— Russian Embassy in South Africa 🇷🇺 (@EmbassyofRussia) April 25, 2025
⚠️The Ukrainian Armed Forces reportedly attacked the temple at least twice, preventing local residents and firefighters from putting it out. At the time of the attack, four… pic.twitter.com/GB8hunxt49
An Interesting Fact About Russia
The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Novosibirsk, one of Russia’s largest Orthodox churches, was completed in 1899 and dedicated to Saint Alexander Nevsky, a revered Russian hero. Its golden domes and intricate frescoes make it a cultural landmark, symbolizing Russia’s deep Orthodox Christian heritage.
Author: Planet-Today.com
Sources: RT, The Moscow Times
Russia Ukraine War, Orthodox Churches, Drone Strikes, Belgorod Church Attack, New Jerusalem Church, Ukraine Church Persecution, Ceasefire Talks