In the largest overnight drone assault since the war began three years ago, Russia unleashed 479 drones and 20 missiles across central and western Ukraine, Ukrainian forces reported on Monday.
Massive Drone and Missile Burst
The barrage marked a new peak in air attacks, with 479 unmanned aerial vehicles targeting key regions. Missile salvos joined the assault, as authorities in Kyiv and beyond grappled with continuous alerts.
Robust Ukrainian Defense
Ukraine's air defense systems intercepted 277 drones and 19 missiles in mid-flight, according to military data, leaving only 10 projectiles to breach defenses. Air raid warnings sounded for five hours until dawn, underscoring the scale of the strike.
Escalation and Retaliation
Moscow ramped up strikes after Ukraine's June 1 raids on strategic Russian airbases. Russia also blamed Ukraine for recent bridge explosions that killed seven people and injured dozens.
Negotiations Stall
Despite resuming talks for the first time in over three years, meaningful progress remains limited to prisoner exchanges. Both sides face mounting pressure to break the deadlock as hostilities persist.
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Reference(s):
Russia fires record 479 drones at Ukraine overnight, Kyiv says
cgtn.com
