Russia conducted airstrikes on Ukraine with over 5,400 drones throughout June, as reported by Agence France-Presse (AFP) on the 1st (local time). This marks the largest drone airstrike since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
According to the official announcement of the Ukrainian Air Force compiled by AFP, Russia sent 5,438 drones to Ukraine last month. This is a 37% increase compared to May (3,974 drones).
Last month, Russia also launched 239 missiles, which is double the number from May.
The Ukrainian military reported that 86% of the missiles and drones launched by Russia were shot down or neutralized. This is an increase from 81% in May.
While Russia claims to target military objectives in Ukraine, actual damage to civilian structures, including residential buildings in Ukraine, has resulted in numerous civilian casualties, according to AFP.
According to a summary from the rescue team, at least 41 people have died in four airstrikes in the capital Kyiv. In May, two people lost their lives in a drone attack, but the number of casualties surged last month.
With air raid sirens sounding almost every night, citizens in major cities are unable to sleep and are taking refuge in bomb shelters.
Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed in a meeting he convened last month that Russian drones are attacking Ukrainian armored vehicles and fortified areas, asserting that the success rate of these attacks is up to 50%. He also noted that drones are playing an increasingly important role in his country's military capabilities, claiming that "their efficiency continues to improve."
Ukraine is also intensifying its airstrikes against Russia. According to a report by the Associated Press (AP), citing local authorities, Ukraine conducted airstrikes on an industrial plant in the Ijevsk region of Russia, 1,300 kilometers from its border, injuring several people.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Telegram on the night of the 30th of last month, "We will increase domestic drone production," stating that "the priorities are drones, interceptor drones, and long-range attack drones."