Ukraine conducted a large-scale drone assault overnight targeting multiple regions across Russia, including Russian-held Crimea and surrounding seas, in what appears to be one of Kyiv’s most extensive attacks since the full-scale invasion began over four years ago. According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, Russian air defenses intercepted around 660 Ukrainian drones, surpassing a previous record of 556 drones downed on May 17.
The attack affected at least a dozen Russian regions, including Moscow and St. Petersburg, as well as key territories such as Crimea and areas under Russian occupation in eastern Ukraine. Some reports indicate that strategic infrastructure was hit, though official damage assessments remain limited. Independent Russian outlets reported that a chemical plant and a hydroelectric facility in Novomoskovsk caught fire, but these claims have not been independently confirmed. In Crimea’s eastern Kerch region, Ukrainian authorities stated that drones targeted Russian navy ships and air defense radar systems, allegedly causing a large fire onboard two reconnaissance and minelaying vessels as well as a cargo-passenger ferry. Russia has not publicly verified these specific claims.
Following the attack, Moscow-imposed leader Sergey Aksyonov declared a regional emergency in Crimea, citing the increasing frequency and intensity of aerial strikes. He acknowledged that air defenses are not foolproof, underscoring the challenges Russia faces in protecting critical facilities on the peninsula it annexed in 2014.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had earlier promised a “40-day influence operation,” interpreted by analysts as a planned escalation that aims to pressure Russia into ending the war after a year without successful peace negotiations. President Zelensky also highlighted increased pledges of military and financial support he received at a recent Group of Seven summit, including commitments from U.S. President Donald Trump. NATO’s upcoming summit reportedly could result in further assistance to Ukraine.
On the battlefield, Russia continued its missile and drone strikes against Ukrainian cities. Ukrainian officials reported that two civilians were killed and seven injured in attacks across the northeastern Kharkiv region, including a drone strike on the city of Izium. Several other strikes targeted Kyiv, Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, and Sumy regions, with casualties including children and infrastructure damage such as gas stations and electrical facilities. Ukrainian air defenses reportedly shot down the majority of the approximately 189 Russian drones launched overnight, although some ballistic missiles penetrated defenses and caused damage.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian border officials stated that Russia appears to be expanding military infrastructure deeper inside Belarus, but there are no indications of troop buildups near the Ukrainian border. Belarusian authorities have denied reports suggesting Moscow is seeking to open new fronts from their territory.
The ongoing exchanges exemplify the sustained and intense conflict, with both sides employing advanced drone and missile technologies amid calls for increased international support and efforts toward a negotiated resolution.