Kyiv, Ukraine – June 6, 2025: In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Russia launched a massive overnight missile and drone attack on Ukraine, primarily targeting the capital city, Kyiv. The assault resulted in the deaths of at least four individuals and injured approximately 50 others. Among the deceased were three emergency responders who were killed while attempting to extinguish fires caused by the strikes.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that the attack comprised 407 drones and 44 missiles, marking one of the most extensive aerial bombardments since the war began in 2022. While many of the projectiles were intercepted, several penetrated defense systems, causing substantial damage to residential buildings and critical infrastructure, including Kyiv’s metro and rail systems.
This offensive follows Ukraine’s recent “Operation Spiderweb,” a drone strike targeting Russian military airfields in Siberia and the far north, which reportedly damaged several nuclear-capable bombers. The Kremlin has labeled Ukraine’s actions as “state terrorism” and justified its retaliatory strikes as a necessary response.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks, urging Western allies to intensify pressure on Russia. He emphasized the need for stronger international support to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
In the United States, former President Donald Trump revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin had informed him of the impending retaliation during a recent phone call. Trump expressed skepticism about immediate peace prospects, suggesting that it might be better to let the two nations “fight for a while” before pursuing further diplomatic interventions.
The assault has further strained hopes for a ceasefire, with ongoing peace negotiations yielding little progress. Ukraine has proposed a 30-day ceasefire and a leadership summit, but these overtures have been met with resistance from the Kremlin.
As the conflict intensifies, the international community watches with growing concern, recognizing the potential for further escalation and the dire humanitarian consequences that may ensue.
