In recent weeks, Russia has significantly ramped up its airborne assaults against Ukraine, launching unprecedented waves of drones and missiles that have overwhelmed Ukrainian air defenses. On June 8-9, 2025, Russia executed one of the largest drone attacks of the conflict, deploying as many as 479 drones and 20 missiles in a single night the highest number recorded since the war began over three years ago.
These attacks have become not only larger and more frequent but also more concentrated and tactically sophisticated, making them increasingly difficult for Ukrainian forces to intercept. The Russian strategy involves swarms of both explosive-laden drones and cheaper decoys designed to saturate and confuse air defenses. For example, a recent assault included 315 drones and seven missiles, some of which were jet-powered variants of the Iranian-designed Shahed drone capable of speeds up to 600 km/h (about 373 mph).
The intensified strikes are in retaliation for Ukrainian operations such as "Operation Spiderweb," which destroyed key Russian strategic bombers and damaged military production facilities deep inside Russia. In response, Russia has targeted Ukrainian urban centers including Kyiv, Odesa, Kharkiv, and Rivne, causing civilian casualties and damage to critical infrastructure. Notably, a maternity hospital in Odesa was struck, resulting in deaths and injuries among civilians.
Despite the scale of the attacks, Ukrainian air defenses have successfully intercepted the majority of drones and missiles. For instance, during the record 479-drone strike, Ukrainian forces intercepted 460 drones and 19 missiles, limiting casualties and damage. However, some projectiles have penetrated defenses, causing fatalities and injuries, including at least one death in Rivne and multiple casualties in Kyiv and Kharkiv.
The relentless drone and missile offensives mark a new phase in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, highlighting the evolving nature of drone warfare and the challenges it poses. Analysts note that Russia’s use of sheer numbers and varied drone types aims to exhaust Ukrainian air defenses and inflict psychological terror on the population.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged citizens to remain vigilant and heed air-raid warnings as the conflict enters this intensified aerial phase. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to press attacks on Russian military infrastructure, maintaining pressure despite Moscow’s escalated bombardments.
