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UPD: the Russian Ministry of Defense reported: ‘Last night, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation launched a group strike with precision weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles against enterprises of the military-industrial complex of Ukraine in the Kiev region, the infrastructure of the military airfield and the arsenal of mine-torpedo weapons of the Ukrainian Navy. The objectives of the attack were achieved. All designated objects are affected.’
In the early hours of June 23, Russian forces launched a large-scale combined attack on multiple regions of Ukraine, including Chernihiv, Dnepropetrovskk, Vinnytsia, Cherkasy, Poltava, Kharkiv, and Sumy. However, the primary focus of the assault was Kyiv and its surrounding areas. The offensive involved approximately 200 UAVs, cruise missiles, and ballistic weapons, including Iskander-M systems directed at key locations in Kyiv, Bila Tserkva, and Hostomel.
The capital came under several intense attacks in recent weeks, with drones employing a group dive-bombing tactic, striking nearly all districts of the city last night. At least 11 fires were reported by the locals, three of which were large-scale. Among the primary targets were a drone assembly and repair facility critical for Ukrainian military operations, an office complex housing drone-related startups supporting the production of unmanned systems for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and the Sikorsky Polytechnic Institute, where a major fire engulfed the main building, laboratories, and research centers. The university had been involved in training military specialists, including drone operators and engineers. Additionally, the Antonov aircraft plant, a key industrial site, and a building of the Kyiv National Economic University, reportedly used for military personnel training, were also struck. The notorious Antonov plant was also reportedly struck by Russian UAVs and Kh-101 missiles. One of the intercepted Iskander missiles reportedly struck a residential high-rise building, causing casualties. Emergency power outages were reported across the city after the attack.
Bila Tserkva, a strategic city southwest of Kyiv, was hit by at least two Iskander missiles and over 10 drones. The strikes targeted Bilotserkivselmash, an industrial plant recently repurposed for military vehicle parts production, where a major fire broke out, as well as a hotel-medical complex and an intelligence facility linked to Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR). In Kyiv region, the Skyline helicopter production plant was attacked, resulting in a significant fire.
Ukrainian military officials proudly reported intercepting most of incoming targets, claiming that allegedly out of 16 missiles, only one reached its target. Similarly, they stated that 146 out of 352 drones were shot down, while 193 were disabled by electronic warfare. However, local residents and visible damage suggest a different reality. Social media posts highlighted the increased effectiveness of Russian strikes, with many questioning the accuracy of Ukraine’s air defense reports. One resident of the capital remarked that if Gerans are hitting Kyiv almost unhindered—supposedly the most protected city—what’s happening elsewhere.
The strikes followed recent threats from Zelensky and intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov, who hinted at new attacks on Russian territory. The Russian operation appeared to preemptively target military production and training facilities, particularly those linked to drone and missile development.
While Ukrainian authorities emphasize their air defense successes, the scale of destruction, particularly at high-value industrial sites, indicates that Russian strikes are becoming more precise and damaging. The discrepancy between official interception claims and on-the-ground impact raises questions about Ukraine’s diminishing air defense capabilities amid delays in Western military aid.
we will defeat the zio/anglo axis alliance!
western air defense is collapsing and depleting so much anything can even now get through to israel, whereas russian skies are closed to slow and obsolete western missiles. russia should consider extending the smo into nato territory and using nuclear weapons at this stage of the war as they have a clear advantage
sure, you want ww3 to happen just because one country currently has an advantage? millions will die within the first few impacts, billions within a day. doesn’t sound very appealing to me
it seems the usa and the zionists are one with israel being a means of war outside the control of the american people. russia is up next as the strategy of picking off one at a time using proxies continues.
with western weapons depleting on all fronts in a war of attrition, it will eventually lead to victory for the large historic countries against fake, weak countries
the only way the west can pose a threat to russia is when the west has the element of surprise. but do they have that? i doubt it. still waiting on actual hypersonics from the west.