The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has seen a significant escalation, with Russia launching a record 479 drones at Ukraine on Monday, June 9. These attacks included strikes on the western region of Rivne, an area that had previously experienced fewer assaults. Ukrainian officials view this surge in drone attacks as a clear sign of Moscow's intent to continue its offensive and a lack of genuine interest in peace talks.
Russia stated its drone barrage was a direct response to a Ukrainian attack on Russian bomber aircraft located deep within Russian territory, even reaching Siberia. The Kremlin called the Ukrainian operation provocative and promised further retaliation.
The overnight drone strikes caused damage across various Ukrainian regions, though thankfully no major injuries were reported. The Ukrainian air force confirmed that Russian air raids hit ten different locations. The mayor of Rivne, Oleksandr Tretyak, called it the heaviest bombardment the region has faced since the start of the conflict. Regional governor Oleksandr Koval reported damage to about 70 structures, including private homes and a nursery school. Russian defense officials said one of their targets was an airfield near Dubno in the Rivne region, describing the attacks as "retaliatory strikes" against military airfields due to what they termed "terrorist actions" by Kyiv. Last week, Russia had already vowed revenge after Ukrainian air raids on its bomber bases, including those near Moscow.
In a separate but related development, Ukrainian forces announced they had launched an operation targeting an electronics plant in Cheboksary, which is about 600 kilometers east of Moscow in the Chuvash Republic. This factory reportedly makes parts for Russian drones, including antennas used in the Iranian-supplied Shahed drones that Russia frequently uses against Ukraine. The local governor, Oleg Nikolayev, confirmed on social media that two drones hit the factory grounds, temporarily stopping production.
Meanwhile, Russian authorities reported a Ukrainian strike in the Kursk region near the border, which resulted in one death. Acting Governor Alexander Khinstein stated that the attack hit a cultural and community center in the Rylsky district, killing a 64-year-old man.
