Russia Launches Barrage of Missiles and Drones Across Ukraine, Killing at Least Five People

Strategic Insights -

The Ukrainian city of Kharkiv has been hit with a massive bombardment by Russia, leaving at least five people dead and over 20 wounded. The assault, which began overnight, is described as the most powerful on the city since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The city's Mayor, Ihor Terekhov, reported that 48 Iranian-made drones, two missiles, and four guided bombs were fired at the city, causing significant damage to residential buildings and civilian infrastructure.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least five people have been killed and over 20 wounded in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv due to a Russian missile and drone attack.
  • Russia struck with 215 missiles and drones overnight, with Ukrainian air defences shooting down and neutralizing 87 drones and seven missiles.
  • The assault on Kharkiv is the most powerful since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with Mayor Ihor Terekhov describing it as "the most powerful" on the city.
  • Residential buildings and civilian infrastructure have been heavily damaged, with multiple areas affected.
  • The northeastern city of Kherson was also hit with Russian shelling, killing a couple and damaging residential buildings.
  • A Ukrainian drone operation last weekend damaged nuclear-capable military aircraft at Russian airbases deep behind the front lines, prompting Russia to escalate its attacks.

Statistics:

  • 215 missiles and drones were launched by Russia overnight.
  • 87 drones and seven missiles were shot down and neutralized by Ukrainian air defences.
  • 48 Iranian-made drones, two missiles, and four guided bombs were fired at the city of Kharkiv.
  • At least five people have been killed in the attack.
  • Over 20 people have been wounded in the attack.
  • The attack on Kharkiv is the most powerful since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Sources:

  • Al Jazeera: "Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events - Day 1199" (https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/7/russia-ukraine-war-list-of-key-events-day-1199)
  • Al Jazeera: "How will Ukraine's attack on Russian bombers affect the war?" (https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/2/how-will-ukraines-attack-on-russian-bombers-affect-the-war)
  • Al Jazeera: "De-escalating to escalate: Ceasefire is no longer on the horizon in Ukraine" (https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2025/6/3/de-escalating-to-escalate-ceasefire-is-no-longer-on-the-horizon-in-ukraine)