Trump reportedly moved by images of Russian strike on Kyiv Pechersk Lavra
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US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the grounds of the G7 summit, Evian-les-Bains (France), June 16, 2026 (Photo: Zelenskiy Official / Telegram)
Images of the fire-damaged golden domes of Kyiv Pechersk Lavra following Russia's June 15 strike on the UNESCO-listed monastery complex made a strong impression on U.S. President Donald Trump, Politico reported, citing three G7 officials.
According to the report, a pivotal moment of the June 15–17 G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, came when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy showed Trump images of the burning Dormition Cathedral, which was damaged during Russia's mass missile and drone attack on Kyiv.
Officials familiar with the discussions told Politico that Zelenskyy's presentation appeared to be a decisive factor in persuading Trump to take a firmer stance in support of Ukraine during negotiations over the joint G7 declaration adopted on June 17.
"I think he was genuinely moved," one G7 official told the publication on condition of anonymity.
Politico reported that while Zelenskyy personally showed Trump the photographs, French President Emmanuel Macron played a key role in shaping the summit's dynamics and developing a strategy for engaging the often unpredictable U.S. president.
Reuters previously reported that Zelenskyy presented Trump with photographs showing the aftermath of Russia's strike on the Dormition Cathedral during their meeting on June 16, citing sources familiar with the discussion.
Trump reportedly expressed strong dissatisfaction with Russia's actions after viewing the images.
Russia's attack on Kyiv and the Lavra
Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack against Ukraine overnight on June 15, targeting Kyiv and several other cities. The strike damaged multiple cultural and historical landmarks in the Ukrainian capital, including Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Dormition Cathedral, the monastery's main church, caught fire after being hit during the attack. Ukrainian officials said the strike caused significant damage to the cathedral's roof and other structures within the monastery complex.
The attack prompted widespread international condemnation and renewed calls for stronger support for Ukraine's air defenses.
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