Introduction: Retaliation Escalates in Ukraine Conflict
In one of the most intense attacks since the full-scale invasion began in 2022, Russia launched a massive overnight missile and drone strike on Ukraine on Friday, June 6, 2025. This retaliation comes just days after Ukraine’s audacious drone strikes on four Russian air bases under the codename Operation Spider Web. The escalation killed at least five and injured over 80, with Ukraine calling for urgent international action.
Russia Unleashes 400+ Drones and Missiles
The Russian Defence Ministry confirmed a coordinated assault involving over 400 drones and 38 cruise missiles targeting Kyiv, Chernihiv, Lutsk, and Ternopil. The attack utilized long-range sea, air, and land-based weapons. Moscow described the move as retaliation against what it called “terrorist acts by the Kyiv regime.”
The city of Kyiv endured the brunt of the attack. Explosions rocked residential buildings, and Kyiv’s metro infrastructure was damaged, forcing thousands into shelters. Ukraine’s state emergency service DSNS confirmed that three of their personnel were among the victims.
Ukraine’s Operation Spider Web: The Trigger
Earlier in the week, Ukraine executed what experts call the largest drone assault in the war to date. Operation Spider Web targeted at least four Russian air bases deep within Russian territory. President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that 117 drones were used, successfully disabling 34% of Russia’s cruise missile carriers.
These drone strikes exposed vulnerabilities in Russia’s rear defenses and emboldened Ukraine’s SBU security services. Russia, however, responded by launching counterstrikes and intercepting over 170 Ukrainian drones in its territory and Crimea.
Putin and Trump React to Rising Tensions
Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of escalating hostilities and warned of retaliation during recent backchannel communications with U.S. President Donald Trump. Following Russia’s strike, Trump told reporters, “The Ukrainians gave Putin a reason to bomb the hell out of them.”
In response, President Zelensky issued a stark warning: “Now is exactly the moment when America, Europe, and everyone around the world can stop this war together by pressuring Russia.” He added, “If someone is not applying pressure and is giving the war more time to take lives – that is complicity.”
Impact on Civilians and Infrastructure
- Kyiv: Multiple districts hit. A residential building collapsed. Emergency services targeted.
- Lutsk: One civilian killed, with infrastructure damage reported.
- Chernihiv: One casualty pulled from debris, widespread damage to homes.
- Ternopil: Regional governor called it the “most massive air attack to date,” with five injured and schools damaged.
Air raid sirens and machine gun fire echoed through Kyiv as air defenses struggled to bring down drones. Civilians reported the eerie sound of drones followed by delayed explosions across the capital.
Stalled Peace Talks and Future Outlook
The attack came after peace talks in Istanbul ended without progress. Ukraine demanded an unconditional ceasefire, while Russia offered only partial local truces. The failure to reach consensus has deepened the mistrust between both sides.
Trump recently set a two-week deadline for Putin to act on peace or face a potential shift in U.S. support. Yet, Washington has not made any formal move, raising questions about America’s diplomatic leverage in this volatile conflict.
Conclusion: War Escalates as World Watches
This latest escalation underscores the fragility of the current situation. Russia’s massive retaliatory strike signals its determination to punish Ukrainian advances, while Ukraine’s growing drone capabilities show it won’t be intimidated. With peace talks stalled and global leaders offering mixed messages, the path to resolution appears increasingly narrow.
For real-time updates, follow credible sources like BBC News and Al Jazeera’s Ukraine Crisis coverage.
