With 499 drones and missiles launched overnight, Russia has intensified its military offensive against Ukraine, marking the largest air assault since the onset of the war. Ukrainian officials report numerous interceptions, yet civilian casualties and damage persist, highlighting the ongoing volatility of the situation.
Ukraine Braces for Escalation as Russia Launches Record Air Assault
Ukraine Braces for Escalation as Russia Launches Record Air Assault
Amid ongoing peace talks, Ukraine experiences the largest aerial bombardment from Russia, signaling a potential shift in the conflict’s dynamics.
In an alarming escalation of hostilities, Ukraine has reported that Russia launched an unprecedented wave of aerial assaults, deploying a total of 499 drones and missiles overnight. This marks the most significant air attack since the conflict commenced over three years ago, characterized by a surge in strikes as peace negotiations continue to falter.
The Ukrainian Air Force stated that the attack involved a staggering 479 drones and 20 missiles, a retaliation believed to be triggered by recent Ukrainian offensives targeting Russian air bases on June 1. President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine urged citizens to heed air-raid warnings as he addressed the nation during this critical time. "Please take care of yourselves," he pleaded, emphasizing the importance of safety amid the relentless attacks.
Casualties have been reported, including one death in the Rivne region and damage to private properties in the Kyiv area. The Sumy region also saw nine individuals injured due to the assaults, though Ukrainian officials report that most of the incoming ordnance was intercepted.
In tandem with their air campaign, Russian forces have escalated ground assaults and opened a new front in northern Ukraine. Ukrainian counteroffensives, including drone strikes deep within Russian territory, continue to showcase the ongoing, shifting dynamics of the battlefield.
The Russian Defense Ministry claimed successful interceptions, asserting that 49 Ukrainian drones were destroyed or neutralized in the same timeframe. Due to heightened security risks, authorities temporarily suspended operations at four airports in central Russia.
As the conflict rages on and both sides dig in their heels, the potential for further escalation looms large, leaving civilians caught in the crossfire as tensions continue to brew.
