Large-scale Russian air strikes hit Ukraine following prior threats

On June 2, 2026, Russia launched a massive aerial offensive against Ukraine, deploying 656 drones and 73 missiles against 38 locations. The attacks primarily targeted Kyiv, Dnipro, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia, hitting military-industrial sites, energy infrastructure, and recruitment centers. Ukrainian authorities reported that at least 22 people were killed and over 100 injured, though initial reports varied significantly across different sources. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated the strikes were a systematic response to an alleged Ukrainian attack on a dormitory in Russian-controlled Luhansk last month that resulted in 21 deaths. Kyiv officially denies responsibility for the dormitory strike, instead claiming they targeted a military drone command center. Following the attacks, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declared a shift in the war paradigm, asserting that the peace process is suspended. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials noted that air defenses successfully intercepted 40 missiles and 603 drones.