Russia launched a massive overnight assault on Ukraine, targeting Kyiv and multiple cities with hundreds of drones and missiles. French broadcaster France 24 reports that Moscow deployed over 600 drones and 70 missiles in the wave of attacks on June 2. Dozens were injured, and the death toll continues to climb.
The offensive follows days of warnings from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Russia was planning a major escalation. Kyiv has faced intensified bombardment in recent weeks as Moscow seeks to pressure Ukrainian defenses and infrastructure.
According to France 24, the scale of the aerial assault marks one of the largest in recent months, with drones and missiles saturating air defenses. Specific figures on casualties and damage were not provided by other sources, and DW News notes Zelenskyy had cautioned residents about the impending attack.
Ukrainian officials are likely to appeal for more Western air defense systems and munitions in the coming days. The surge in strikes could further strain civilian morale and Kyiv's ability to protect critical infrastructure, just as the country braces for a potentially difficult summer of combat.
Western allies have condemned the attacks but have offered no immediate change in military support levels.