In the early hours of June 15, Russian forces executed a large-scale assault on multiple Ukrainian cities, resulting in four fatalities and 23 injuries in Kyiv, including a child. Explosions were reported across the capital and in cities such as Kharkiv, Dnipro, Sumy, Chernihiv, and Kropyvnytskyi, with emergency responders engaged at nearly 50 locations dealing with fires and destruction.
The attack caused significant damage to the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, where the roof of the Assumption Cathedral caught fire due to a direct hit. Kyiv’s military administration chief, Timur Tkachенко, noted that the damage to the site, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was severe, although sacred items, including ancient icons, had been evacuated.
Additionally, the National Film Studio named after Oleksandr Dovzhenko suffered a fire that destroyed its extensive costume collection, as reported by Culture Minister Tetiana Berezhna. The studio housed around 100,000 costumes and three million clothing items, and Berezhna emphasized that the attack targeted cultural institutions vital to Ukrainian identity.
In Kharkiv, Russian forces targeted the Kholodnohirskiy district with missiles. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko stated that five emergency responders lost their lives while extinguishing fires caused by a subsequent strike, with at least five others injured. Oleg Synegubov, head of the regional administration, reported that three civilians also sustained blast injuries.
In Dnipro, one person was injured, and a business sustained damage due to the attack, which led to a fire. In Sumy, drone strikes resulted in injuries to three individuals, including a child.
U.S. and Iran Reach Peace Agreement
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the completion of a peace agreement with Iran, ordering the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and lifting the U.S. naval blockade. Earlier, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif confirmed the agreement, stating both parties had committed to an immediate and comprehensive cessation of military operations across all fronts, including Lebanon. The official signing ceremony is scheduled for June 19 in Switzerland.
Sharif expressed gratitude to Qatar for its mediation efforts, as well as to Saudi Arabia and Turkey for their contributions to the agreement. He noted that several meetings would precede the signing to establish the groundwork for technical discussions.
“Ships of the world, start your engines. Let the oil flow!” — Trump stated, directing the opening of the Strait without tolls.
Context: Trump previously indicated that the agreement would be signed on June 14, a claim that was denied by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Zelensky and Trump Discuss Meeting at G7
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone conversation on June 14, agreeing to meet during the G7 summit in France from June 15 to 17. Zelensky congratulated Trump on his 80th birthday and discussed steps to end the ongoing conflict.
According to presidential communications advisor Dmytro Lytvyn, the conversation lasted approximately 30 to 35 minutes and was described as “substantive.” Zelensky confirmed that they discussed many critical issues, including peace efforts, and expressed gratitude for U.S. support, ranging from Javelins to Patriots, while updating Trump on the latest developments at the front.
“We have some good ideas that could help bring peace and save lives,” Zelensky remarked regarding their upcoming meeting.
Context: French President Emmanuel Macron had previously invited Zelensky and Middle Eastern leaders to the G7 summit in Évian, where Trump would also be present.
Trump and Putin Discuss Visit by U.S. Envoys
During a phone call on June 14, Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed on a new visit to Russia by American special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov stated that the conversation lasted 55 minutes and was characterized as “friendly and candid.” Putin congratulated Trump on his birthday, and Trump reportedly noted that Putin was the first foreign leader to call him on that day.
Ushakov claimed that Trump reiterated his call for an end to the war and expressed willingness to influence Kyiv and European politicians. He also mentioned that Putin suggested Zelensky should come to Moscow if he desires personal negotiations. Neither Trump nor the White House commented on the call.
A major Russian offensive on June 15 resulted in casualties and damage across Ukraine, including Kyiv's historic sites. Concurrently, the U.S. and Iran announced a peace agreement set for signing, while Zelensky and Trump planned a meeting at the upcoming G7 summit.