BANDUNG, SEATIZENS – Russia carried out its largest airstrike since invading Ukraine three years ago. It launched 479 drones into Ukrainian territory in one night. The Ukrainian Air Force announced this on Monday, June 9, 2025. This attack marks a significant escalation of Russia’s summer offensive.
Serhiy Holubtsov, spokesperson for Ukraine’s Air Force, described the attack as the biggest drone assault since the war started. “The main targets were central and western Ukraine,” he said. “We also saw 20 different missiles launched at the same time.”
Ukrainian forces claim to have shot down 277 drones and 19 missiles. Only about 10 drones and missiles reportedly reached their targets.
“So far, only one person has been injured,” Holubtsov added. “We managed to prevent more damage.”
These claims have not yet been verified independently.
Ukrainian Leader Calls for Western Support Amid Difficult Frontline Conditions
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke on Sunday night, June 8, 2025. He said the situation on the eastern and northeastern fronts is very difficult. Zelensky called for more military support from Western allies. He emphasized the need for advanced air defense systems.
“We lack personnel and proper air protection,” Zelensky said. “The enemy is bigger and keeps getting more weapons. Without steady support from our partners, we face serious risks.”
The attack happened while Kyiv and Moscow continued diplomatic talks in Istanbul. However, two rounds of negotiations have not produced any major results. The only agreements so far involve exchanging prisoners and fallen soldiers’ remains.
Russia Claims to Intercept Ukrainian Drones in Its Territory
Russia reports success in stopping Ukrainian drone attacks on its land. The Russian Defense Ministry said it shot down 49 Ukrainian drones across seven regions.
In Chuvashia, two drones hit a factory making electronic warfare equipment. This factory is more than 600 kilometers from Moscow. In Voronezh, 25 drones were intercepted. They caused damage to gas pipelines and started small fires.
“Damage is under control,” said Governor Alexander Gusev. “No one was hurt.”
Ukraine claims to have attacked the Savasleyka airfield in the Novgorod region. They hit two Russian fighter jets there. This shows Ukraine’s growing ability to strike deep inside Russian territory using drones.
Civilian Casualties and the Human Toll
The United Nations estimates more than 12,000 Ukrainian civilians have died so far. Most of these deaths came from Iranian-made Shahed drones supplied to Russia.
Although Russia says it targets only military sites, the real impact affects infrastructure and civilians. The Ukraine-Russia war is now highly unpredictable. Diplomatic talks and military actions both face deadlock. Without a real ceasefire, civilians remain the main victims.
(Seatizens)
