Ukraine trying to ensure evacuation of civilians from temples being shelled by Russians

This was reported by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense on Telegram, Ukrinform reports.

"The occupiers continue shelling the Sviatohorsk Lavra, despite the fact that a large number of civilians remain on its premises. At the same time, Ukraine is making maximum efforts to set up a safe corridor for civilian evacuation and humanitarian deliveries for monks who have decided to stay in the Lavra," the report reads.

According to the defense intelligence data, there are about 600 civilians on the territory of Sviatohirsk Lavra at the moment. Most of them are local residents who sought shelter from shelling.

"Ukraine once again emphasizes the need to evacuate civilians to the territory controlled by Ukraine’s government in order to save people's lives and provide humanitarian and medical aid to the monks who refused to leave the territory. To avoid possible provocations, Ukraine is ready to engage international mediators in the process of organizing a humanitarian corridor," the agency said.

Earlier, the defense intelligence informed that about 100 monks have refused to leave the territory of the Sviatohirsk Lavra. Some of them, due to injuries, age, and health, are in grave condition, which makes their evacuation impossible.

As reported by Ukrinform, on June 1, the Sviatohirsk Lavra was targeted by Russian artillery fire. As a result of the shelling, Archimandrite Galaction, monk Aristoklii, and nun Varvara were killed. Several clerics were seriously injured.