Kyiv Under Fire Is This Russia's Biggest Attack Yet?

Article Heading: Russia Unleashes Massive Drone and Missile Barrage on Ukraine, Kyiv Suffers Casualties

Kyiv, Ukraine – In a harrowing escalation of the conflict, Russia launched a massive overnight drone and missile attack on Ukraine, resulting in the tragic loss of at least three lives in Kyiv and leaving dozens injured. This assault marks one of the most significant attacks since the full-scale invasion began over three years ago, signaling a dangerous intensification of hostilities.

According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia deployed a staggering **452 drones** alongside **45 missiles**, including both cruise and ballistic variants. The onslaught targeted not only the capital city of Kyiv but also struck various Ukrainian cities across the country. The impact was widespread, affecting residential apartment buildings, administrative centers, commercial warehouses, and even cafes.

Eyewitness accounts from Kyiv describe a night of relentless explosions, with fires erupting across the city as a result of the sustained attacks. NPR's Kyiv bureau reported the chilling sound of drones buzzing overhead, punctuated by the sounds of anti-aircraft fire and the rapid bursts of heavy machine guns operated by Ukraine's mobile air defense teams, desperately attempting to intercept the incoming drones.

The scale and intensity of the attack are alarming. Key details include:

• Widespread Damage: The attacks impacted multiple cities and various types of civilian infrastructure.
• High Number of Munitions Used: The deployment of over 450 drones and dozens of missiles underscores the scale of the Russian assault.
• Civilian Casualties: The loss of life and injuries sustained by civilians highlight the devastating human cost of the conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks in the strongest terms, stating that Russia targeted "almost all of Ukraine." He emphasized the urgent need for international accountability, urging global powers to exert pressure on the Kremlin to halt the aggression.

"Now is the moment when America, Europe and everyone in the world together can stop this war by putting pressure on Russia," Zelenskyy wrote on his Telegram channel. "If someone does not put pressure and allows the war more time to take lives, this is complicity and responsibility."

The attacks occurred against the backdrop of controversial comments made by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who likened the conflict to a dispute between children. His remarks, suggesting that the two countries should "fight for a while," have drawn criticism for potentially undermining international support for Ukraine.

Simultaneously, Ukraine reported conducting retaliatory strikes on military air bases within Russia. In a Facebook post, the Ukrainian military declared that "strikes on military infrastructure will continue until the complete stop of Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine."

Adding another layer of complexity, Trump reportedly spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier in the week, during which Putin warned of retaliation for a prior Ukrainian attack on Russian territory that resulted in the destruction of numerous Russian bombers.

While Russian forces have been consistently attacking Ukrainian cities, the recent escalation in scale and intensity raises serious concerns about the trajectory of the conflict. The international community watches with bated breath, hoping for a swift de-escalation and a path toward a lasting peace.

This latest barrage serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and the urgent need for diplomatic solutions. As the world grapples with the complexities of this ongoing crisis, the focus must remain on protecting innocent lives and preventing further escalation. The path forward requires unwavering commitment to peace, justice, and accountability.

Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/06/06/nx-s1-5425188/russia-ukraine-missile-drones-kyiv-putin-zelenskyy