In a dramatic upsurge of conflict, Ukraine reports that Russia launched the largest air assault of the war, deploying 499 drones and missiles. These actions come amid stalled peace negotiations and have raised alarms for civilian safety, as President Zelensky urges residents to heed air-raid warnings.
Ukraine Faces Unprecedented Air Assault as Russia Escalates Attacks

Ukraine Faces Unprecedented Air Assault as Russia Escalates Attacks
The recent surge in drone and missile strikes signifies a troubling escalation in the ongoing conflict, as Ukraine navigates heightened military threats while reiterating the importance of air-raid vigilance among civilians.
In a historic escalation of the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has reported that Russia launched an astonishing 499 drones and missiles overnight, marking the largest air assault seen since the war began over three years ago. This uptick in hostilities coincides with stalled peace talks, indicating a potential shift in Russia’s military strategy.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported a significant offensive from Russia, with 479 drones and 20 missiles being aimed at various targets across Ukraine. Thankfully, most of these were intercepted, but the sustained bombardment still led to casualties. Reports indicate that one person was killed in the Rivne region, while the Kyiv area also witnessed damage to residential buildings.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation during this intense period, urging civilians to remain alert and to closely monitor air-raid warnings. “Please take care of yourselves,” he implored in his nightly address, reflecting the urgent need for safety amid increasing aerial aggression.
Russia's aerial campaign appears to be a direct response to a coordinated assault by Ukraine on Russian air bases on June 1, which took Moscow by surprise and has since resulted in heightened military retaliation. As Russia bolsters its drone attacks, it is also launching offensives along the frontline, with new activities reported in northern Ukraine.
In its own defense, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed that its air defense systems managed to destroy or jam 49 Ukrainian drones during the overnight exchanges. Additionally, security measures prompted the temporary suspension of operations at four airports in central Russia, emphasizing the escalated tensions across the region.
As the situation continues to develop, both nations are locked in a deadly struggle that shows no signs of abating, with civil safety remaining a top priority amid the chaos of war.