By Brian Said Iha
June 2, 2026
KYIV, Ukraine — At least 11 people have been killed and more than 100 others injured following a massive overnight wave of Russian missile and drone strikes targeting multiple urban centres across Ukraine in one of the largest coordinated aerial assaults in recent months.
The attack came shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned of intelligence indicating an imminent large-scale strike from Moscow. Despite the advance warning, the scale and intensity of the assault overwhelmed parts of Ukraine’s air defence network.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia launched a total of 73 missiles and 656 drones in a single wave of coordinated attacks directed at key infrastructure and populated areas across the country.
Ukraine’s air defence systems intercepted 40 missiles and 602 drones during the overnight assault. However, officials confirmed that more than 30 ballistic impacts successfully penetrated defensive systems, striking at least 38 separate locations.
Emergency services were deployed across affected regions as rescue teams worked through the night to pull survivors from damaged buildings and contain fires sparked by the strikes. Authorities warned that casualty figures could rise as operations continue in impacted zones.
The strikes caused widespread destruction in several urban hubs, with residential areas, energy infrastructure, and public facilities among the reported targets. Local officials described scenes of extensive damage, with emergency crews struggling to reach some of the hardest-hit sites due to ongoing security concerns.
President Zelenskyy condemned the attack, describing it as a deliberate escalation aimed at civilian populations and critical infrastructure. He reiterated calls for increased international support, particularly in strengthening Ukraine’s air defence capabilities.
The latest assault underscores the continuing intensity of the conflict, which has seen sustained aerial bombardments in recent months despite diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing hostilities.
Military analysts say the scale of the combined missile and drone strike reflects a growing reliance on mass aerial saturation tactics designed to overwhelm defensive systems through volume and coordination.
As recovery efforts continue, Ukrainian authorities have urged residents in high-risk areas to remain in shelters and adhere strictly to air raid warnings while security forces assess ongoing threats.
The situation remains fluid, with emergency response teams still active across several regions affected by the overnight barrage.
