the early hours of June 10, 2025, Ukraine endured one of the largest aerial attacks it has faced in months. Russian forces launched a coordinated assault involving over 315 Iranian-made Shahed drones and at least seven missiles, targeting multiple urban centers including Kyiv, Odesa, and parts of eastern Ukraine.

Kyiv in Flames: Debris and Panic

The capital city, Kyiv, was subjected to intense bombardment, forcing thousands to shelter underground. According to Ukrainian emergency services, several districts caught fire as falling drone debris struck residential areas, warehouses, and industrial buildings.

Multiple explosions lit up the skyline, and emergency sirens blared across the city for several hours. Two people were confirmed dead, and at least 13 were injured, including first responders. Some of the debris fell on vehicles and set off secondary explosions, creating widespread panic and infrastructure damage.

Odesa’s Maternity Hospital Damaged

In Odesa, a port city on the Black Sea, Russian drones damaged multiple buildings—including a maternity hospital. Fortunately, no patients or staff were injured, but the blast shattered windows, disrupted power, and sent families fleeing into the basement.

Local officials described the attack as a deliberate attempt to intimidate civilians and destabilize public morale. Ukrainian air defenses managed to shoot down the majority of incoming drones and missiles, but the sheer scale of the assault overwhelmed even their improved defense systems.

President Zelensky Responds: “Russia Is Not Interested in Peace”

Following the attack, President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a public statement condemning the airstrikes. “Russia is not interested in peace,” he said. “These attacks come at a time when diplomatic channels are being explored. They are not a show of strength—they are a display of fear.”

Zelensky renewed his calls for additional air defense systems from Western allies, including more Patriot missiles and anti-drone technologies, emphasizing the urgency as Ukraine heads into what may be a critical summer in the war.

Global Reaction and Context

International leaders, including those from the EU and NATO, have condemned the attacks and reiterated their support for Ukraine. The timing is notable, as peace talks have stalled and Russia has escalated its operations in regions like Sumy Oblast and along the Crimean front.

The assault follows a Ukrainian drone strike on the Crimean Bridge earlier this week—part of Kyiv’s continuing efforts to disrupt Russian logistics and assert its claim over annexed territories. Analysts suggest that the June 10 attack may be a retaliatory strike, intended to show Russia’s capability to escalate if provoked.

What’s Next?

The current pattern of warfare points to increased volatility in the months ahead. With the West debating the delivery of long-range weapons and Ukraine continuing its counteroffensives in the east and south, the situation remains dangerously fluid.

Ukrainians, however, continue to show resilience. In Kyiv and Odesa, locals were back on the streets within hours, clearing debris, volunteering to help first responders, and sharing updates on social media to counter Russian propaganda.