A Ukrainian drone attack ignited and destroyed the historic wooden church complex of Novaya Ierusalim (New Jerusalem) in Russia’s Belgorod region during Orthodox Easter, leaving no casualties but sparking condemnation for targeting a sacred site.

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On Thursday, Russia’s Belgorod region, near the Ukrainian border, witnessed another escalation in the ongoing conflict. A Ukrainian drone strike caused a fire that completely destroyed the wooden religious complex of Novaya Ierusalim, one of the most sacred and emblematic sites for the local Orthodox community, according to regional and church authorities.

Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported that the attack was “targeted” and occurred during Holy Week, a critical period in the Russian Orthodox calendar. The complex, located in the village of Sukharevo, burned rapidly due to its flammable wooden structure. While no casualties were reported, the destruction of the site has been felt as a deep wound to the region’s cultural and religious heritage.

Russian authorities labeled the attack a terrorist act, emphasizing the symbolic nature of the chosen target: “one of the holiest sites in the Belgorod region.” The press secretary of the local diocese, Fyodor Klyuiko, explained that a Ukrainian drone dropped explosives on the monastery, causing the entirely wooden complex to burn “like a matchstick.” The site, whose construction began in 2001, included several chapels and a main church dedicated to St. John the Baptist, among other heritage elements.

Escalation of drone strikes along the Russian-Ukrainian border

This attack is part of an intensification of drone warfare along the Russian-Ukrainian border, where both sides have deployed new technologies and tactics. Ukraine has recently used German-made drones with wooden frames and AI systems to strike high-value targets deep inside Russian territory, raising concerns about the increasing sophistication and reach of these devices. Russian officials claim such attacks aim not only to damage military or industrial infrastructure but also to spread terror and demoralize civilians, particularly by targeting religious and cultural symbols during significant dates.

The escalation of drone strikes along the border has forced residents in regions like Belgorod to seek shelter and highlighted the vulnerability of civilian areas to technological warfare. Meanwhile, the international community watches uneasily as the conflict worsens, impacting not only military objectives but also daily life and cultural heritage on both sides.

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