On June 6, Russia launched a large-scale airstrike using drones and missiles on the capital Kiev and many other cities in Ukraine, killing at least 6 people and injuring about 80.
This was one of the most intense attacks since the beginning of the conflict, with a total of 407 UAVs, 45 cruise missiles and ballistic missiles used, according to the Ukrainian air force.
Three rescue workers died in Kiev as they arrived to rescue after the first airstrike and were unfortunately killed in a further Russian attack. In Chernihiv city, two people died in an attack on an industrial park, while in Lutsk, one person died in the rubble of an apartment building.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Russia had "responsive" the destruction of its strategic aircraft by attacking civilians. He stressed that many high-rise buildings were hit by bullets and energy infrastructure systems were severely damaged.
In Lutsk, about 30 people were injured, including victims in government buildings and educational facilities. The western city of Ternopil was also devastated, with many industrial facilities and infrastructure destroyed, causing a part of the city to lose power. Local authorities have warned people to stay indoors because the air contains high levels of toxic substances after the fire.
The Russian Defense Ministry said the attack was aimed at military and military-related targets, and was carried out in response to what it called a "terrorist act" by Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned of retaliatory actions after Ukraine used drones to attack air bases deep in Russian territory.
This warning has been conveyed by US President Donald Trump. Speaking to the press, Mr. Trump said that "they gave Mr. Putin a reason to encroach and heavily bomb last night". Mr. Trump affirmed that is something he did not want to see.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said people may still be trapped under the rubble in many places. He condemned the Russian attack, calling it an act aimed at civilians and unjustified.
