Russia's Airstrikes on Kyiv Kill 9; Historic Monastery Damaged

At least nine civilians were killed in one of the heaviest Russian air attacks on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, in the past two weeks. The strike also damaged the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery, a landmark of Ukraine's spiritual and cultural heritage.

According to Reuters, citing Ukrainian authorities on Monday (June 15), the attack triggered fires in several areas of the city, including parts of the historic monastery complex.

The assault came hours after US President Donald Trump held separate phone calls with the leaders of Ukraine and Russia regarding a possible ceasefire. The latest escalation follows Ukrainian claims that its forces carried out long-range strikes on key Russian energy and military facilities.

Ukrainian officials said their forces struck a major oil facility in Russia's Yaroslavl region on Sunday. President Volodymyr Zelensky described the site as important to Russia's energy infrastructure. Kyiv also claimed responsibility for an attack on the Azot chemical plant in Russia's Tula region, which is linked to explosives production.

Russian authorities partially confirmed the attacks. The governor of the Yaroslavl region said a large Ukrainian drone strike damaged an industrial fuel depot and temporarily disrupted road connections to Moscow for security reasons.

Meanwhile, the governor of Russia's Tula region said debris from a drone intercepted by air defense systems fell inside a factory in Novomoskovsk.

Ukraine also reported attacks on logistics and military supply facilities in territories controlled by Russian forces.

As fighting continues, diplomatic efforts remain underway. The Kremlin said President Trump emphasized the need to end the war during his conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to Moscow, the discussion also covered possible cooperation on issues related to Iran.

President Zelensky confirmed a separate phone conversation with Trump, saying they discussed efforts to end the war and coordination with international partners.