Ukraine Says Russia Launches Largest-Ever Drone Barrage of the War

What Happened?

Russia has continued to keep up its attack on Ukraine after it launched nearly 500 drones overnight Sunday into Monday.

Ukrainian officials announced Monday that the Kremlin fired 479 drones and 20 various types of missiles at different parts of Ukraine.

According to reports, the attack targeted mainly central and western areas in the biggest overnight drone barrage of the three-year war.

Ukraine reportedly claimed only 10 drones or missiles hit their targets, and one person was injured.

The Associated Press said it was not possible to independently verify those claims.

Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat stated that the main target of Russia's attack was one of the operational airfields.

Despite the recent assault on Kyiv, the two countries conducted another prisoner exchange.

It was agreed upon during negotiations on June 2 in Istanbul, Turkey.

'Today the exchange began, which will continue in several stages over the next few days,' said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. 'The process is quite complicated, with many sensitive details, and negotiations are continuing almost daily.'

Why it Matters

Last week, Russia carried out one of its largest aerial attacks against Ukraine, impacting as many as six regions, including Kyiv.

As many as 407 drones and 44 missiles were launched by Russian forces.

The attack lasted for several hours, killing at least three people and leaving at least 50 Ukrainian civilians injured.

Russia's defense ministry reportedly stated that the strikes were in response to 'terrorist acts by the Kyiv regime.'

It came as a warning from President Donald Trump following his recent phone call with Russia's Vladimir Putin.

Trump said that Putin vowed to respond following a series of Ukraine attacks that will reportedly cost the Kremlin as much as $7 billion in total damages.

Ukrainian forces had smuggled 117 drones at four perimeter air bases, striking Russia’s docked airplanes before later targeting the Kerch Strait Bridge in a separate attack.

Trump emphasized his call with Putin would not lead to immediate peace.

Zelenskyy has recently sounded the alarm following the Kremlin's retaliatory actions.

'Russia must be held accountable for this,' Zelenskyy said in a recent statement.

He renewed his calls to allied countries to help pressure Putin to stop these attacks.

How it Affects You

Ukraine is reportedly short-handed on the front line against Russia and needs more assistance from its Western partners.

It presents Russia with an opportunity amid the uncertainty of outside air defense support.

The U.S. holds an ally position to both countries, further increasing Ukraine’s concern.

Trump suggested that it might be better to let both countries 'fight for a while,' despite growing calls to issue sanctions.

As Russia plans to continue accelerating its offense in Kyiv, hopes for an unconditional ceasefire appear increasingly unlikely.