Russia launched a large-scale aerial assault on Ukraine, causing significant destruction in Kyiv and several other cities. According to U.S. media outlet CNN, Russia fired 539 drones along with 11 cruise and ballistic missiles overnight, targeting key locations across the country.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that it successfully intercepted and destroyed 476 of the drones launched in the attack.
According to Ukraine’s emergency services, the assault ignited fires in numerous urban areas, damaging buildings and critical infrastructure. Several multi-story buildings sustained heavy damage, and Kyiv’s railway network was also affected. CNN described the strike as the most extensive air attack since the beginning of the war.
Ukraine’s defense systems were fully activated throughout the night in Kyiv to counter the Russian assault. Residents of the capital endured a sleepless night as the sounds of explosions echoed across the city. At least 23 people were reported injured, although no fatalities have been confirmed.
Due to the intensity of the blasts, thousands of civilians sought shelter in metro stations and underground parking facilities. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha described the night as “extremely difficult” and “the worst yet,” emphasizing the trauma endured by the population.
Zelenskyy Blames Russia’s Intentions Following Trump-Putin Call
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also labeled the assault as the largest airstrike the country has experienced to date. He noted that the attack coincided shortly after media reports emerged about a phone call between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“This shows that Russia has no intention of ending the war or ceasing its campaign of terror,” Zelenskyy said.
Trump had earlier announced via Truth Social that he was planning to speak with Putin. However, CNN reported that the hour-long conversation failed to yield positive outcomes, with Putin showing no willingness to agree to a ceasefire.
CNN further reported that in June alone, Russia launched over 80 ballistic missiles, 5,000 drones, 5,000 glide bombs, and more than 330 other types of missiles against Ukraine.
Additionally, a senior Russian naval officer was reportedly killed on Thursday in the Kursk region during clashes near the Ukrainian border—a development that highlights the deepening complexity of the ongoing conflict.
The recent escalation has made efforts toward peace and stability in Ukraine even more challenging, and global stakeholders are being urged to prioritize diplomatic measures to de-escalate the situation.
