Russian forces will not shell Lavra, but provocations are possible - Kniazhytskyi

This was stated by MP Mykola Kniazhytskyi on Espreso TV.

"Once the Lavra was the center of Ukrainian life and the monks were the basis of Ukrainian patriotism. Then it was given to the Russians and turned into their branch - it is absolutely shameful. It is clear that they can make some provocations, but I hope that it will not come to that and our special services will work effectively," he said.

The lawmaker added that Ukrainians give no reason for this, because they want to live in their own country with their own church and language and support their strong army.

"Putin said about a great Christmas truce. I do not think they will dare to destroy the outstanding cultural monument of the world. But one can expect anything from them. They want us not to exist at all and commit genocide against the Ukrainian people. Nothing stops them in this," concluded Kniazhytskyi.

The National Reserve Kyiv Pechersk Lavra previously stated that from January 1, the lease agreement of the Church of the Moscow Patriarchate for the two main churches of the Upper Lavra will no longer be valid. Those are the Assumption Cathedral and the Refectory of the church. On Sunday, January 1, 2023, representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate were not allowed to enter the churches of the Upper Lavra. They prayed in the Lower Lavra.