A missile struck at 3.50 am on 2 June 2026, severely damaging New Life Church, a well-known evangelical church in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv.

It happened before dawn, so there were no people in the place of worship.

“As a result of the enemy attack, our church has suffered significant damage. Windows and doors have been smashed, and the church premises (the main hall), all office spaces and the Sunday school have been damaged”, the church explained in a Facebook post the following morning.

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New Life Church is known not only for its social commitment to providing shelter for people fleeing the war front in the east of Ukraine, but also for channelling international humanitarian aid.

The pastor, Anatoly Kaluzhny, is one of the promoters of the Council of Evangelical Protestant Churches of Ukraine, which joined the European Evangelical Alliance in September 2025.

“We are even finding pieces of the missile scattered across the property”

Following the news, Evangelical Focus contacted the church leadership to ascertain the situation on the ground.

“Our neighbors took the brunt of the strike", Anna Kalyuzhna wrote in an email on the midday of 2 June, Ukrainian time.

“Our facility took heavy damage: all the windows and doors are blown out, the restrooms are wrecked, and the suspended ceilings have collapsed. The entire space is covered in shattered glass and furniture debris. We are even finding pieces of the missile scattered across the property. In the church hall, the exterior cladding, screen, all communication systems, and fire exits were damaged”.

Kalyuzhna, who is part of the leadership team at New Life Church, goes on to explain: “Tragically, our mobile dental clinic was also hit—the very clinic we used to travel and provide free care to those affected by Russian aggression”.

Hours after the attack, church members arrived at the scene, after the emergency services had completed their initial response.

“We are incredibly grateful to our church members who dropped everything, changed their plans, and came out to help us clear the rubble and clean up the debris”, explains Anna.

She also sends a message to the international community. “Thank you for remembering us at a time like this,” she says.

How to support reconstruction

The Church has reported that in the early hours, amidst the destruction, “we are currently doing everything we can to secure the building against further damage and to begin restoration work”.

“We are asking for help with building materials, tools, manpower or financial support”.

Financial donations towards the reconstruction can be made via the New Life Church Kyiv website.

Pastor Kaluzhny: “Right now, we need unity, prayer and practical help”

Shortly after being notified by the fire brigade moments after the strike, the pastor, Anatoly Kaluzhny, wrote a message to his congregation.

“Friends, our church grounds have been hit by a strike today. There is a great deal of destruction and damage, and a huge amount of work lies ahead”, he explained on Facebook.

“Let us pray, stick together and believe that the Lord is with us, will give us the strength to get through this trial and restore everything with His help”.

“We urgently need help. If you are free today and able to help, please come to the church as soon as possible. There is plenty of work for everyone: clearing up, clearing rubble, restoration, and support”.

Only 10 days ago, Russian forces also attacked another evangelical church in Balakliya (Kharkiv) on 23 May 2026, causing great damage.