Kathmandu— The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, strongly condemned a Ukrainian drone strike that targeted Epiphany Cathedral in Gorlovka, Russia's Donetsk People’s Republic, during a religious service on Sunday. The attack resulted in injuries to Metropolitan Mitrofan of Gorlovka and Slavyansk, who received hospital treatment, as well as minor injuries to Protodeacon Roman Stepin and two volunteers from the Patriarchal Humanitarian Mission. Kirill characterized the strike as a demonstration of “lack of principle and flagrant cynicism” by those responsible, while Ukrainian strikes within Russia have increased in recent months.

Details of the Attack

The drone attack on Epiphany Cathedral occurred Sunday in Gorlovka, according to a statement released by the Moscow Patriarchate. Metropolitan Mitrofan of Gorlovka and Slavyansk sustained injuries requiring hospitalization, while Protodeacon Roman Stepin and two volunteers with the Patriarchal Humanitarian Mission suffered minor wounds during the incident.

Patriarch Kirill responded to the attack stating, “An enemy drone attacked people during prayer, once again demonstrating the lack of principle and flagrant cynicism of those who directed this criminal attack.”

Broader Ukrainian Strikes

The strike on the cathedral was not an isolated incident. On the same day, a civilian in Gorlovka’s Central City district was injured in a separate Ukrainian drone attack, as reported by Mayor Ivan Prikhodko via Telegram.

The attacks come amid Ukraine's intensification of deep-strike campaigns within Russian territory following recent battlefield setbacks. Moscow has consistently labeled these strikes as acts of terrorism, citing instances where drones and missiles have impacted civilian infrastructure such as apartment buildings.

Russian Response

Russia asserts it has responded to the Ukrainian strikes with missile and drone attacks targeting Ukraine’s arms factories, logistics centers, and military-supporting infrastructure. Last week, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that Russian forces would “respond proportionately to emerging threats” originating from Ukraine.

The situation remains tense as both sides continue to engage in retaliatory strikes amid the ongoing conflict.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.