A barrage of Russian missiles and drone strikes killed at least 22 civilians and wounded more than 100 people across Ukraine, according to CBS News. The attack occurred late on June 2, 2026, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned of impending strikes.
What happened
Ukrainian authorities reported a series of deadly missile and drone attacks, with Kyiv and Dnipro as primary targets. Zelenskyy described the assault as “a brutal strike,” noting that 130 people were injured in the blitz.[2]
“Unfortunately, the current level of supplies for our air defense does not allow us to shoot down a significant share of the missiles,” he said.
According to Ukraine’s air force, Russia launched at least 656 drones and 73 missiles overnight, with 40 of the missiles and 602 drones neutralized. Despite these efforts, 38 sites were successfully hit, including residential buildings.
Why it matters
The ongoing assaults reflect the escalating brutality of Russia’s military campaign as it seeks strategic advantages in the conflict. The high civilian casualties highlight the war’s toll on innocent lives, making the situation increasingly dire.[3]
Background
On May 27, 2026, Zelenskyy warned of an impending “massive new strike” from Russia. His administration has repeatedly called for enhanced air defense capabilities as the Kremlin intensifies its bombing campaigns.[1]
The conflict has persisted since 2022, with Ukraine facing near-daily bombardments while retaliating against occupied areas. Talks to end this devastating war have largely stalled.
What’s next
Zelenskyy is expected to continue advocating for air defense support, including the supply of Patriot missile systems, in meetings with international leaders.
