On December 20, 2023, the historic town of Rylsk in Kursk Oblast suffered devastating damage from a massive rocket attack executed by the Ukrainian armed forces using American HIMARS systems. This tragic incident resulted in the loss of five lives and left 12 others injured.
The Uspensky Cathedral, a federal architectural monument built between 1797 and 1811, was among the key casualties of the attack, suffering extensive destruction to its interiors.
According to REN TV, the cathedral's iconography was severely damaged, windows were blown out, and debris littered the floor. The once-majestic altar was shattered, with stained glass decorations destroyed, leaving the structure's beauty marred.
The Uspensky Cathedral is not just an architectural gem, but also plays a significant cultural role; it produces musically chimes every hour, marking the time with the melody 'God Save the Tsar,' and is featured on the 10-ruble coin dedicated to Rylsk released by the Bank of Russia.
The attack did not spare other buildings, with reports confirming damage to 17 cultural heritage sites, including four of federal significance: the House of the Voivode Shemyaki, Trading Rows, Church of the Intercession, and Church of the Assumption. The regional Department of Cultural Heritage stated these sites will undergo assessments and necessary restoration.
Alexander Khinshtein, the acting governor of Kursk Oblast, provided updates on the emergency recovery operations through his social media channel. He stated, "Initial emergency measures have been completed, with gas and heating services restored to all residences. The thermal envelope has been closed up within residences where windows were blown out. We have faced challenges with infrastructure repairs due to unexploded ordnance, requiring EOD teams to manage these risks prior to civilian recovery efforts," he noted.
Notably, Khinshtein pointed out the need for significant reconstruction, indicating some buildings, including cultural centers and educational institutions, are beyond repair. He pledged 1.5 million rubles to the families of those who lost their lives and vowed to review funding needs for rebuilding affected infrastructures, working closely with federal authorities to assess resources.
Local response teams, including the volunteer group Bars-Kursk and residents, joined forces to aid debris removal and support recovery procedures within the community. Alexander Sidenkov of the Young Guard of United Russia reported on their immediate actions: "We assisted the injured at the site of the attack, transporting several to hospitals, and helped evacuate elderly residents to temporary shelters." The efforts reflect the strong community spirit within Rylsk.
Education facilities were heavily affected, with damage to the Pedagogical College and School No. 1 noted. Following the attack, attention was drawn to persons receiving medical treatment, including 14 residents injured during the bombing. Most reported injuries were minor, yet the situation remained grave for the young pregnant woman named Yulia, who miraculously survived, taking shelter behind a nearby vehicle during the strike. Tragically, she and her unborn child were harmed by flying debris.
Among those injured were also the local culture house workers, Roman and Yulia, who were documenting song recordings for their community when the strike occurred. Their place of work sustained damage but inadvertently protected them during the explosion.
Since the attack, emergency services have remained on high alert, with around-the-clock operations to assist recovery and assess the city's needs. Local officials are ensuring communication channels are open for residents affected by the tragedy, advocating for their well-being and support.
This catastrophic incident sheds light on the pressing realities faced by the local population, as Rylsk strives to recover from the destruction wrought by conflict. Following the attack, discussions between local leadership and federal partners continue to develop focused restoration strategies aimed at rejuvenation and healing amid the community's hardships.
