Not a coincidence: Zelenskyy connects Kyiv attack to Trump's birthday
Photo: Aftermath of the Russian attack on Kyiv (t.me/dsns_telegram)
Russia's massive overnight strike on Ukraine on June 15 was not random, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He suggested the attack was linked to US President Donald Trump's birthday.
Today, Zelenskyy visited the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, which was damaged in the Russian attack overnight. Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko accompanied him during the visit.
According to Zelenskyy, Russian President Vladimir Putin acted cynically by first congratulating Trump on his birthday and then launching a large-scale attack on Ukraine.
"Putin, as always, acted with complete cynicism. He first congratulated the President of the United States and then launched a massive strike against Ukraine. I don't think that was a coincidence," Zelenskyy said.
The Ukrainian President added that Russian forces had been preparing for the attack for several days, stockpiling missiles.
"They weren't just accumulating missiles — they were waiting so they wouldn't carry out the strike before Trump's birthday greetings," Zelenskyy said.
As a reminder, US President Donald Trump celebrated his 80th birthday on June 14. He is now officially the oldest sitting president in US history.
Attack on Kyiv
Russia launched a large-scale overnight assault on Ukraine, firing 70 missiles and 611 drones.
Kyiv was the primary target, while Dnipro and Kharkiv also came under attack.
According to Zelenskyy, more than 60 missiles were aimed specifically at the Ukrainian capital.
At least five people were killed, and more than 30 were injured in Kyiv. The city suffered extensive damage.
A fire broke out on the grounds of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra following the strike. Residential buildings were damaged, and Nova Poshta’s largest and most advanced sorting terminal was destroyed.
Russian forces also struck the Dovzhenko Film Studio, destroying a unique collection of costumes.
In addition, the National Cultural, Arts and Museum Complex Mystetskyi Arsenal sustained damage, and a large fire broke out at the site after the attack.
Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat said the assault resembled Russia's massive June 2 attack in many ways, though it featured one key difference.
