Ukraine initiated a major nighttime drone assault affecting twelve Russian regions, the annexed Crimean Peninsula, and nearby maritime zones. According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, this operation appears to be among the most extensive drone campaigns since the Kremlin launched its full-scale invasion over four years ago. Russian air defense systems reported intercepting 660 Ukrainian drones during the incident, surpassing the previous record of 556 drones documented on May 17.
As part of an ongoing effort to counter Russia’s war of attrition, Kyiv has increasingly deployed long-range drones to strike energy infrastructure, oil production facilities, and supply lines deep within Russian territory. Western analysts and officials suggest that this strategy is effectively hindering Russian military logistics and increasing pressure on President Vladimir Putin.
Initial information regarding specific damages remained sparse, as the Russian Defense Ministry typically does not disclose target details. However, the independent outlet Astra reported fires at a chemical plant and a hydroelectric facility in Novomoskovsk, though these claims could not be verified by the Associated Press. Meanwhile, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed that 47 drones were neutralized while approaching the capital, reporting no casualties or property damage.
Ukraine’s Security Service stated that its forces targeted Russian naval assets and air defense radars in the Crimean port city of Kerch. The agency claimed the strikes hit the cargo-passenger ferry Petropavlovsk and two ships, the Volga and the Vyatka, allegedly causing a major fire. These claims remain unverified. The escalation follows a statement from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who indicated he had ordered a 40-day operation to compel Russia toward ending the war, citing a lack of progress from previous peace efforts.
Despite the intensifying hostilities, Russia and Ukraine conducted a prisoner exchange, with 160 individuals from each side returning home on Friday. President Zelenskyy noted that recent diplomatic engagements, including meetings with G7 leaders and U.S. President Donald Trump, have resulted in commitments for additional support meant to strengthen Ukraine’s position ahead of potential negotiations.
Concurrently, Russian forces continued their own aerial campaigns, resulting in two fatalities and seven injuries in the Kharkiv region over a 24-hour period, according to regional official Oleh Syniehubov. Another strike in Izium killed a woman and wounded three others. Additional attacks across Kyiv, Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, and Sumy regions left at least 19 people injured. Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting 174 of 189 incoming Russian drones, although four Iskander-M ballistic missiles successfully bypassed defenses.
Regarding the border situation, Ukrainian State Border Guard Service spokesman Andrii Demchenko stated that while Russia has expanded military sites deeper within Belarus, intelligence units have detected no evidence of a buildup of personnel or equipment near the Ukrainian border.
