Russia announced that its air defences successfully intercepted 660 Ukrainian drones during a significant overnight attack that spanned twelve Russian regions, as well as the Crimean peninsula, the Black Sea, and the Azov Sea. According to statements from Russia’s Defence Ministry, this incident marks one of the most substantial drone assaults on Russian territory and its annexed Crimea since the start of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine over four years ago. Previously, the largest drone attack reported occurred on May 17, involving 556 drones.

The timing of the assault aligns with Ukraine’s ongoing strategy to execute long-range drone strikes targeting assets well beyond the front lines. These operations include strikes on oil production facilities and energy infrastructure within Russia’s borders. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated earlier that he had initiated what he termed a “40-day influence operation,” interpreted as an increase in attacks to pressure Russia into negotiations aimed at ceasing hostilities, especially after a year of unsuccessful peace efforts led by the United States.

Damage Reports Remain Unclear

The initial assessments of damage from the attacks in Russia have provided limited information. Russia’s Defence Ministry typically refrains from disclosing specific targets impacted or detailing the extent of damage caused by such drone operations. The Ukrainian Security Service stated that its drone strikes targeted Russian naval vessels and air defence systems located in Kerch, a strategic port in Crimea. Among the claimed targets were the reconnaissance and mine-laying ships, Volga and Vyatka, as well as a cargo-passenger ferry named Petropavlovsk, which the Ukrainian authorities alleged had ignited a significant fire.

However, independent verification of these claims remains unavailable. Reports suggest that successful strikes within places such as Moscow and St Petersburg have contributed to heightened morale among Ukrainian forces. President Zelenskyy remarked on the additional foreign support his country secured during a recent G7 summit, indicating that this assistance would bolster Ukraine’s efforts to urge Russian President Vladimir Putin to engage in negotiations.

Continuing Conflict and Civilian Impact

In the Tula region, located just south of Moscow, Governor Dmitry Milyaev reported damage to a private residence and injuries to a woman due to the attack. Furthermore, he cited damage to a power line and an unspecified industrial site in Novomoskovsk. An independent Russian outlet, Astra, also reported alleged strikes on a chemical facility and a hydroelectric plant in Novomoskovsk, which reportedly ignited fires; however, these reports lacked official confirmation.

Moscow’s Mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, conveyed that 47 Ukrainian drones were intercepted while heading toward the capital, with no casualties or damage reported in Moscow itself. Meanwhile, Ukraine has reported two fatalities and seven injuries within the Kharkiv region over the past 24 hours due to continued Russian aerial strikes. Regional head Oleh Syniehubov noted that Russian forces targeted not only Kharkiv but also 16 additional settlements using guided bombs and various drones.

Ukrainian air defences managed to down 174 of the 189 Russian drones deployed overnight; however, four of the seven Iskander-M ballistic missiles successfully struck various locations. Additionally, Ukrainian officials disclosed that recent Russian attacks resulted in damage to energy facilities, homes, and other civilian infrastructure in Kyiv, the southern Odesa and Zaporizhzhia regions, and in Sumy in the northeast, with a reported six people wounded.

On June 26, Ukrainian authorities indicated that while Russia was expanding several military installations within Belarus, no significant troop or equipment movements were detected near the Ukrainian border. A spokesperson for Ukraine’s State Border Guard Service stated that intelligence efforts had uncovered no signs of Russian forces building up in the border area, although there was an increase in military training and base establishments deeper within Belarus.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share