Russia launched a barrage of 315 drones and missiles on Ukraine, killing one in Kyiv and injuring several others. A maternity ward in Odessa was also targeted. Ukraine shot down 277 drones.
Russia-Ukraine War: The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine intensified significantly on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. Russia launched a massive attack on Ukraine involving 315 drones and seven missiles, an assault described by the Ukrainian Air Force as the largest drone attack of the war. The attack targeted multiple cities, including the capital Kyiv, resulting in one fatality and numerous injuries. Russia claims this attack was in retaliation for Ukraine's recent "Operation Spiderweb," in which Ukrainian drones targeted Russian airbases.
Russia's Intense Assault: Kyiv Bombarded Overnight
In the early hours of Tuesday morning, Russia unleashed the attack of 315 drones and seven missiles. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, 277 drones and all seven missiles were intercepted. Despite this, the attack caused significant damage in Kyiv and other cities. Explosions rocked seven districts of Kyiv throughout the night. An office building in the city center, formerly a UK visa center, sustained severe damage.
Reuters reported that Kyiv was shaken by loud explosions and frequent flashes of light throughout the night. One person was killed, and four others were hospitalized with injuries. The Kyiv mayor stated that seven out of ten districts were targeted.
Maternity Ward in Odessa Targeted
In addition to Kyiv, Russia's drone attacks targeted Odessa, a port city in western Ukraine. A maternity ward in Odessa was struck by a drone, but thankfully, no casualties were reported. Ukraine's air defenses successfully neutralized numerous drones and missiles, preventing even greater damage.
Russia's Claim: Retaliation for Ukrainian Attack
Russia asserted that this attack was retaliation for Ukraine's recent "Operation Spiderweb." Last week, Ukraine launched drone strikes on Russian airbases, destroying several Russian bomber aircraft. The Russian Ministry of Defense labeled this a "terrorist act" and warned of retaliatory action. Russian President Vladimir Putin also reacted bly to the attack.
Russia had also conducted its largest-ever attack on Monday, using 500 drones and missiles. That attack caused widespread devastation across Ukrainian cities. Tuesday's attack is considered part of the same retaliatory effort. Russia claims it targeted Ukrainian military installations, but Ukrainian officials say civilians and infrastructure were also damaged.
Ukraine's Response: A New Turn in Drone Warfare
Ukraine has also been active in the conflict, employing new drone warfare tactics in recent months. "Operation Spiderweb" saw Ukrainian drones strike deep inside Russia, targeting and destroying several Russian bomber aircraft. Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) reportedly spent 18 months planning the operation, using trucks to secretly transport the drones into Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks and appealed to Western nations for ber air defense systems. He characterized the Russian attacks as targeting civilians and described them as an act of terrorism. Zelenskyy also proposed a 30-day ceasefire for peace talks, a proposal rejected by Russia.
Destruction in Kyiv
The overnight attacks shook Kyiv. Residents described being terrified by the explosions and flashes of light throughout the night. An office building, previously a UK visa center, was severely damaged. Several residential and non-residential buildings caught fire. Ukrainian emergency services immediately launched rescue operations, but the extent of the damage was significant.
The Kyiv mayor reported four injuries, some serious, with the injured immediately transported to hospitals. Air raid sirens remained active in the city until 5 AM, keeping residents indoors.
