In Kherson region, about 60 religious buildings destroyed or damaged in ongoing Russian attacks

This was reported by Suspilne.

The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is located in the Kindijka suburb of Kherson. Russian troops have shelled it repeatedly. The rector of the church, Valentyn Horokhovsky, recalls that they were forced to close the church for the first time in October 2023. For eight months, they held prayers in the premises of the Luchansky Hospital. Then, as the shelling decreased, they returned to the church on the Feast of the Ascension in 2024.

"We held services there for another two months. But on August 24, as well as on August 20 and 21, 2024, the Russians deliberately shelled the churchyard, leading to extensive damage. This occurred right during the service. Fortunately, no one was hurt," the priest reported.

He added that they now hold services in another building because the church itself was damaged by the shelling.

"We have many wounded parishioners due to drone attacks. Russian drone operators can clearly see who they are targeting with explosives. The same applies to the shelling of the church — first, they fire several test shots, and then three shells directly hit one building. These are not accidents; they are deliberate strikes," the priest explained.

Russian troops have also shelled the Kherson synagogue twice, with the last incident occurring on October 24, 2025.

"One shell got stuck in the wall, while another pierced the roof, passed through the prayer hall, went through the floor, and hit the office space. With God's help, we are now repairing the synagogue. The damage is extensive, but we will continue our work," said Yosef Isaac Wolf, Chief Rabbi of Kherson and the surrounding region.

Despite the shelling, services are held daily at the Kherson synagogue. The chief rabbi noted, "Our community has changed the focus of its work. Now, our priority is to help people — providing food, medicine, and everything else they need during these challenging times. Previously, we offered educational programs: kindergartens, schools, and events for young people. Now we are addressing immediate needs."

The RMA has reported that, as of the end of October, approximately 60 churches and other religious buildings on the right bank of the Kherson region have been damaged or completely destroyed due to Russian shelling.

Tetiana Karagodina, head of the Regional State Administration, stated that the Holy Assumption Cathedral has been shelled on several occasions, resulting in damage to its roof, domes, and windows. This is just one of many known instances; there are many more cases in the communities.

"The unique German church in the village of Zmiivka was also destroyed. In 2024, a Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the Bilozerska community was shelled while people were inside, including the priest and two female employees. Tragically, the priest was killed, and the women were injured. The church was completely destroyed," the official recounted.

According to her, during church council meetings, it has been recommended that large gatherings for worship services be avoided due to the dangers posed by shelling. There is currently no discussion about fully restoring churches, as the security situation remains challenging.

Clergy members can contact the regional military administration to request building materials for temporary repairs or conservation of damaged buildings, Karagodina added.