Ukrainian Drone Strikes in Tula Region Kill 3 as Russian Barrage Sets Historic Kyiv Monastery Ablaze

June 15, 2026 The Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra following Russian overnight attacks on June 15, 2026. Ukrainian State Emergency Service At least three people were killed in a Ukrainian drone attack on central Russia’s Tula region, local authorities said Monday, as a large-scale overnight Russian barrage killed nine people across Ukraine and set fire to a historic monastery in the center of Kyiv. Tula Governor Dmitry Milyayev said an additional three people were injured in the drone strike, including a one-year-old child. The attack damaged several homes and commercial properties across four villages on the western outskirts of the city of Tula. Unconfirmed reports suggested that one of the targeted villages, Maslovo, is home to a U.S.-sanctioned developer of radio-electronic systems and military equipment. Russia’s Defense Ministry said it intercepted 123 Ukrainian drones overnight across 12 regions, as well as annexed Crimea. Governor Milyayev said 16 of those drones were downed in the Tula region. Meanwhile, in Ukraine, a Russian aerial barrage killed at least nine people. The Ukrainian military said Russia launched more than 600 drones and 70 missiles in the overnight assault. In Kyiv, the strikes damaged and ignited a fire at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a 10th-century monastery and UNESCO World Heritage site that holds prominent significance in Eastern Christianity. The roof of the complex’s Dormition Cathedral was left burning. Kyiv’s Metropolitan Epiphanius denounced the incident as a “crime against humanity, against history, against Christianity.” Russia’s Defense Ministry disputed the claim that it hit the monastery, asserting that its forces only targeted Ukrainian defense companies. The ministry claimed the buildings at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra were instead damaged and set on fire by an “outdated” American-made Patriot air-defense missile used by Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strike in a post on X, calling the hit on the Lavra “an attack on the Christian community and on the cultural heritage of humanity.” “There can be no justification for this or for any other similar Russian attacks,” Zelensky wrote, adding that “more cooperation to stop Russia’s war and stronger protection to save lives” is urgently needed. Read more about: Drones , Ukraine war , Tula , Kyiv Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Russian Drone Strike Kills 3 in Ukraine Capital, Mayor Says The wounded included six children, said Mayor Vitali Klitschko. 1 Min read Russia Launches War’s Largest Drone Attack Just Days After Peace Talks, Ukraine Says One person was killed and parts of Ukraine were under an air raid alert for nine hours, with authorities saying Russia launched 273 drones. 2 Min read Russian Air Attack on Central Kyiv Kills At Least 2, Wounds 6 Ukrainian officials said Russian drones targeted Kyiv’s Pechersky district, home to the presidential palace and government quarter. 1 Min read Kyiv and Moscow Targeted by Overnight Drone Attacks Both capitals were targeted by opposing drone attacks, which were largely intercepted by anti-aircraft defenses. 2 Min read