Both Ukraine and Russia have developed a heavy reliance on drone warfare, which has grown increasingly sophisticated throughout the four-year conflict.
As the world shifts its attention to Israel and Iran, the Russia-Ukraine War saw a dramatic overnight escalation on June 23-24, as deadly missile strikes, drone assaults, and high-level diplomatic maneuvers occurred between Ukraine and Russia.
Russia Targeted Ukrainian Population Centers
Russian forces unleashed a barrage of missiles and drone attacks overnight. The Ukrainian cities of Dnipropetrovsk and Kyiv bore the brunt of the attacks. Russia targeted civilian infrastructure, including a hospital, a kindergarten, a school, and a passenger train. Ukrainian officials have reported that at least nine civilians were killed and nearly 70 more injured. However, some sources have estimated the death toll to be upwards of 19 civilians, while 280 were injured. Rescue operations are ongoing; authorities have warned that the casualty count could continue to rise.
Russian drones and missiles were used to target residential neighborhoods in Kyiv—in what officials described as one of the most intensive bombardments in recent weeks. Video footage showed the collapse of apartment buildings, burning cars, and civilians being pulled from rubble in the early morning hours.
The attacks reflect Russia’s continued use of long-range precision-guided weapons and Iranian-made Shahed drones to strike urban centers far from the frontlines—a tactic that has become increasingly common in recent weeks, much to the dismay of the international community.
Ukraine Responds to Russia’s Attacks
Ukraine responded to Russia’s attacks with a volley of drones and missiles targeting Russian cities and infrastructure. Explosions were reported in several regions of western Russia, including Moscow, where at least one drone strike caused a fire in a residential district.
Russian air defense systems were reportedly able to intercept most of the Ukrainian drones, but not all of them. The newest attack by Kyiv marks another instance of Ukraine projecting power deep into Russian territory, often through the deployment of domestically developed unmanned aerial vehicles.
Both Ukraine and Russia have developed a heavy reliance on drone warfare, which has grown increasingly sophisticated throughout the four-year conflict. Russia has relied on drone swarming tactics meant to overwhelm Ukrainian air defense systems. In retaliation, Ukraine has also developed long-range drones to target oil depots, military bases, and transportation hubs deep within Russian territory.
As the conflict escalates, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will travel to The Hague to attend the ongoing NATO summit, where he is expected to appeal for increased support from Western allies. Notably, Zelenskyy will likely lobby for increased sanctions on Russia, especially regarding the flow of missile components, which he said were still reaching Moscow through third-party intermediaries.
What Comes Next in the Ukraine War?
In conclusion, the overnight developments in the Ukraine war underscored the volatile and destructive nature of the conflict. Russia’s increased targeting of civilian centers places an added emphasis on the need for diplomatic pressure. However, the Western political landscape remains divided—a problem for Ukraine, given how fully dependent it is on the West for the support needed to hold the Russians at bay.
About the Author: Harrison Kass
Harrison Kass is a senior defense and national security writer with over 1,000 total pieces on issues involving global affairs. An attorney, pilot, guitarist, and minor pro hockey player, Harrison joined the US Air Force as a Pilot Trainee but was medically discharged. Harrison holds a BA from Lake Forest College, a JD from the University of Oregon, and an MA from New York University. Harrison listens to Dokken.
Image: Shutterstock / Seneline.
