KYIV, Ukraine: Russia launched a large overnight attack on Ukraine's major cities, firing hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles. At least 11 people were killed, and a famous religious site was set on fire, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and officials said on June 15.

The strikes hit the capital, Kyiv, and the second-largest city, Kharkiv. They came shortly after Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin had separate phone calls with U.S. President Donald Trump, showing that the U.S. is still trying to find a way to end the war that began with Russia's full invasion in February 2022.

The war is also expected to be discussed by G7 leaders at a summit in France on June 16, where Zelenskyy and Trump will attend. Zelenskyy is trying to draw attention to Ukraine's situation, even as the conflict in Iran shifts global focus.

Zelenskyy said the attacks show Russia wants to continue the war. He stressed that G7 countries must respond strongly by increasing pressure on Russia and giving Ukraine more air defense support, especially against ballistic missiles.

He said 11 civilians and emergency workers were killed, and 53 people were injured across the country. In Kyiv alone, five people died, and at least 30 were hurt, including two young children aged five and six.

Loud explosions were heard across Kyiv as missiles and drones struck the city. Many people took shelter underground while black smoke filled the sky.

Several civilian areas were hit quickly, including a 25-story apartment building, a market, and a grocery store, which caught fire. Another residential building in a different district was directly hit.

Russia said it targeted military and industrial sites, including facilities linked to drone and missile production. It also claimed to have hit specific factories and conscription offices.

One of the attacks damaged the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a historic religious complex. The roof of one of its main churches caught fire. Church leader Metropolitan Epiphanius condemned the attack as a crime against humanity, history, and Christianity, and called for prayers to save the site.

The Lavra, also known as the Monastery of the Caves, is a centuries-old religious site with churches and underground passages stretching over 600 meters. It has been an important pilgrimage place for hundreds of years.

Zelenskyy said two Russian drones caused the damage and called it one of the biggest attacks on Christian culture. He later visited the site with government officials.