Russia Launches Record-Breaking Drone Assault as Ukraine Hits Back Deep Inside Russian Territory

Massive Overnight Attack Hits Multiple Ukrainian Regions

In the early hours of Monday, Ukraine endured the largest drone and missile barrage since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Kremlin forces deployed a staggering total of 499 aerial threats across Ukrainian airspace—including 479 Shahed-type combat drones and 20 missiles of various kinds. This unprecedented offensive came just days after what had previously been reported as the most extensive drone assault on June 1, which involved 472 drones.

Kyiv authorities confirmed that air defense systems intercepted 460 drones and 19 missiles. Despite these efforts, damage was reported at ten confirmed impact sites, with debris falling in seventeen different areas. Civilian injuries were minimal, though several individuals were hurt in the Riwne, Saporischschja, Dnipropetrowsk, and Kharkiw regions. In Kharkiw, Russian forces used guided glide bombs, intensifying the devastation in this eastern stronghold.

Poland Reacts as Attacks Approach NATO Border

The NATO member state Poland, which borders western Ukraine, was compelled to respond. As Russian air raids intensified over the Riwne region, the Polish military reported it had scrambled fighter jets alongside those of allied nations. According to Warsaw’s General Staff, these precautions were deemed necessary due to the scale and proximity of the bombardments.

The mayor of Riwne, Oleksandr Tretjak, described the incident as the largest aerial assault the region has ever seen. Simultaneously, air raid sirens sounded across numerous Ukrainian regions throughout the night and into the morning, underscoring the widespread nature of the attack.

U.S. and Ukraine Anticipated the Strike

Prior to the attack, American intelligence had issued warnings over the weekend regarding a likely large-scale Russian assault. The prediction proved accurate as the offensive struck both military and civilian infrastructure. The context for this escalation includes ongoing diplomatic stagnation. Although there had been renewed talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Turkey, no meaningful progress has materialized. Ukrainian officials maintain that only force will deter continued aggression from Moscow.

Top Ukrainian presidential adviser Andriy Yermak stated unequivocally that “Russia is escalating the war and has no intention of stopping it.” He emphasized that Moscow’s strategy appears increasingly focused on overwhelming Ukraine with sustained aerial pressure.

Ukraine Responds with Long-Range Drone Attack on Russian Facility

Ukraine did not remain passive in the face of this offensive. In a bold counterstrike, Kyiv reportedly carried out a deep drone operation on Russian soil, damaging a military-industrial plant located in the Chuvash Republic, roughly 600 kilometers east of Moscow. The targeted VNIIR facility is known for producing electronic components, including critical parts used in the Shahed drones that Russia frequently deploys in its attacks.

Chuvash regional authorities confirmed that two drones hit the facility, leading to a temporary suspension of operations. No injuries were reported, but the damage prompted immediate security protocols and halted production. Ukrainian sources identified the facility as a legitimate military target involved in sustaining Russian offensive capabilities.

Prisoner Exchange Disrupted Amid Rising Tensions

The surge in military activity came against the backdrop of a delayed prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, initially scheduled for the previous weekend. Ukrainian military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov indicated that the exchange might now take place later this week, though no firm timeline has been confirmed. The heightened hostilities are likely to complicate these efforts further.

Putin Shows No Signs of Scaling Down the War

Despite mounting losses and international calls for de-escalation, Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown no inclination to reduce the intensity of the war. Analysts note that Russia’s latest aerial tactics are part of a broader campaign to destabilize Ukrainian resistance while pressuring Western allies.

With its continued investment in drone warfare and long-range missile strikes, Moscow appears committed to testing Ukraine’s air defenses to their limits. In turn, Ukraine is increasingly striking strategic sites within Russian territory, signaling a shift in its approach to countering Russia’s technological and logistical advantages.

The developments underscore an alarming escalation on both sides, casting uncertainty over future peace negotiations and the immediate humanitarian outlook for civilians caught in the conflict zones.