In the early hours of June 5, Russian forces launched a significant assault on Ukraine, deploying two guided missiles and 216 strike drones. Ukrainian air defense successfully intercepted a majority of the incoming threats, although some strikes resulted in damage.
The attack involved two Kh-59/69 guided missiles originating from the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia region, alongside 216 drones of various types, including Shahed models, as well as Gerbera, Italmas, and loitering munitions known as Banderolet. The drones were launched from multiple locations, including Oryol, Kursk, Bryansk, Primorsko-Akhtarsk in Russia, and Chayuda in the Crimea region.
Ukrainian defense forces, comprising aviation units, anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare units, and mobile fire groups, engaged the aerial threats. By 07:30, preliminary reports indicated that Ukrainian air defense had successfully neutralized 198 drones, including Shahed, Gerbera, Italmas, and other types across northern, southern, and eastern Ukraine.
Despite the defensive efforts, 16 drones managed to strike 13 locations, with debris from intercepted drones falling in 12 areas. The guided missiles did not reach their intended targets.
The Ukrainian Air Force issued a warning, stating, “The attack is ongoing, and several enemy UAVs are still in the air. Please adhere to safety regulations!”
On June 5, Ukraine faced a large-scale aerial assault from Russia, which included missiles and numerous drones. While the majority of the threats were intercepted, some drones successfully impacted various locations, prompting ongoing alerts from Ukrainian defense forces.