Ukraine unleashed one of its largest drone attacks of the war overnight, targeting multiple regions across Russia, Russian-occupied Crimea and nearby waters, as Kyiv stepped up pressure on Moscow after months of stalled peace efforts.
Russia’s Defence Ministry said its air defence systems intercepted 660 Ukrainian drones across a dozen regions. If confirmed, the assault would surpass the previous record attack of 556 drones launched in May, highlighting Ukraine’s growing long-range strike capability more than four years into the war.
In recent months, Ukraine has increasingly relied on domestically developed long-range drones to strike oil refineries, fuel depots and military infrastructure deep inside Russian territory.
Western officials say the campaign has disrupted fuel supplies, slowed military logistics and piled additional pressure on the Kremlin.
Russian authorities released few details about the damage. As is often the case, the Defence Ministry did not identify the intended targets or provide information on the impact of the strikes.
However, independent Russian outlet Astra reported that a chemical plant and a hydroelectric facility in Novomoskovsk caught fire after coming under attack.
The reports could not be independently verified, and Russian officials had not confirmed the incidents.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said Russian air defences shot down 47 drones approaching the capital, adding that there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage.
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) claimed responsibility for strikes on Russian naval assets and air defence systems in Kerch, a strategic port city in occupied Crimea.
According to the agency, drones targeted two reconnaissance and mine-laying vessels Volga and Vyatka along with the cargo-passenger ferry Petropavlovsk, triggering a large fire. The claims have not been independently verified.
The overnight offensive came just hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced what he described as a “40-day influence operation,” signalling an intensified campaign aimed at forcing Russia to end the war after repeated diplomatic efforts failed to produce a breakthrough.
Despite the renewed escalation, both countries carried out another prisoner exchange on Friday, with officials confirming that 160 prisoners of war were returned by each side.
Ukraine has steadily expanded its ability to strike deep inside Russia, previously hitting targets in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Zelenskyy also said recent meetings with leaders at the G7 summit, including U.S. President Donald Trump, resulted in fresh commitments for military assistance that would strengthen Ukraine’s ability to pressure Russia on the battlefield. Another opportunity for increased support is expected at next month’s NATO summit.
Russian attacks over the past 24 hours killed at least three civilians and injured 29 others across Ukraine, according to Ukrainian officials.
In the northeastern Kharkiv region, Governor Oleh Syniehubov said two people were killed and seven injured after Russian forces attacked Kharkiv city and 16 surrounding settlements.
Another drone strike on the city of Izium on Friday morning killed one woman and wounded three others, emergency officials said.
Separate attacks on Kyiv, Odesa, Zaporizhzhia and Sumy left at least 19 people injured, including a nine-year-old child. Some of the strikes involved powerful glide bombs and also damaged fuel stations.
Ukraine’s Air Force said it intercepted 174 of the 189 drones launched by Russia overnight. However, four of seven Iskander-M ballistic missiles penetrated Ukrainian air defences and struck targets across the country.
No Russian Military Build-Up Near Belarus Border
Ukraine’s State Border Guard Service said there is currently no sign of a Russian troop build-up near the Belarusian border, despite continued expansion of Russian military facilities deeper inside Belarus.
Spokesman Andrii Demchenko said Ukrainian intelligence has not detected any concentration of Russian troops, equipment or personnel close to the frontier.
Russia used Belarus as a launch point for its full-scale invasion in 2022, prompting Kyiv to closely monitor military activity in the neighbouring country throughout the conflict.
