In a significant escalation, Russian forces launched a barrage of 70 missiles across Ukraine during the night of June 15, with over 60 aimed specifically at the capital, Kyiv. This information was confirmed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
According to Zelensky, the attack also involved the deployment of 611 drones, marking a severe moment in the ongoing conflict. As a result of the assault, four individuals have been reported dead and 28 others injured in Kyiv.
One of the most notable impacts of the missile strikes was a fire at the Assumption Cathedral within the historic Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a site with roots dating back to the 11th century. Emergency services managed to extinguish the blaze that affected the cathedral’s roof.
Zelensky condemned the attack, describing it as one of the most significant crimes against Christian culture perpetrated by Russia.
In addition to Kyiv, the city of Kharkiv faced a second strike targeting emergency responders who had just extinguished a fire from an earlier attack, resulting in the deaths of five people and injuries to nine others.
Meanwhile, Dnipro was also hit, with missiles striking a railway station, a college, and various businesses. Additional attacks were reported in regions including Kyiv Oblast, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, and Mykolaiv.
Zelensky emphasized the need for a decisive response from the G7 nations, which are currently convening for a summit. He called for increased pressure on Russia and enhanced support for Ukraine, particularly in terms of air defense and anti-ballistic capabilities.
A large-scale missile attack by Russian forces on June 15 targeted various locations in Ukraine, primarily Kyiv, resulting in casualties and significant damage. President Zelensky urged for stronger international support against the ongoing aggression.