Russia's recent military maneuvers have marked a significant escalation in hostilities, with Ukraine's defense forces confirming that Moscow initiated the most extensive barrage yet, involving 499 drones and missiles, predominantly intercepted.
Russia Escalates Air Assault on Ukraine, Largest Attack Yet

Russia Escalates Air Assault on Ukraine, Largest Attack Yet
In the latest development in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Ukraine reports that Moscow has launched its largest air assault to date, intensifying the fighting as peace talks falter.
On June 9, 2025, the Ukrainian Air Force disclosed that overnight, Russia unleashed a total of 479 drones and 20 missiles, setting a new record for drone usage since the start of the conflict over three years ago. Most of these airborne threats were intercepted, though still, ten strikes materialized, resulting in casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure.
The violence peaked following a substantial Ukrainian counteroffensive aimed at Russian airbases on June 1. In retaliation, Russia's intensified aerial bombardment left at least one person dead in the Rivne region, while other areas reported injuries and property damage. In response to the ongoing threats, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged citizens to heed air-raid alerts, expressing concern for their safety.
As Russian assaults escalate not only from the air but on the frontlines as well, Ukraine remains determined to maintain its offensive capabilities, targeting Russian facilities and launching drone strikes within their territory. Meanwhile, Russian forces report successful interceptions of 49 Ukrainian drones and temporary suspension of operations at several airports due to security issues.
This situation continues to develop amid stalled peace negotiations, raising concerns of a broader escalation in warfare.
Reporting from Kyiv by Maria Varenikova, with contributions from Ivan Nechepurenko and Anastasia Kuznietsova.
The violence peaked following a substantial Ukrainian counteroffensive aimed at Russian airbases on June 1. In retaliation, Russia's intensified aerial bombardment left at least one person dead in the Rivne region, while other areas reported injuries and property damage. In response to the ongoing threats, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged citizens to heed air-raid alerts, expressing concern for their safety.
As Russian assaults escalate not only from the air but on the frontlines as well, Ukraine remains determined to maintain its offensive capabilities, targeting Russian facilities and launching drone strikes within their territory. Meanwhile, Russian forces report successful interceptions of 49 Ukrainian drones and temporary suspension of operations at several airports due to security issues.
This situation continues to develop amid stalled peace negotiations, raising concerns of a broader escalation in warfare.
Reporting from Kyiv by Maria Varenikova, with contributions from Ivan Nechepurenko and Anastasia Kuznietsova.