Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reported a significant escalation in Russian military activity against Ukraine, detailing the use of 1,920 strike drones, 1,790 guided aviation bombs, and 17 various types of missiles over the past week. This information was shared through his Telegram channel on June 14.
“Russia is carrying out hundreds of strikes on Ukrainian cities and communities, attacking our civilian infrastructure daily. This week alone, they have launched 1,920 strike drones, 1,790 guided bombs, and 17 missiles of different types. We need to enhance our defenses against these attacks,” Zelensky stated.
The President emphasized the ongoing preparations for upcoming summits involving the G7, the European Union, and NATO. He underscored the necessity for Ukraine to strengthen its defenses against what he termed “Russian terror,” expressing hope that these international meetings would yield concrete decisions.
Key areas of focus include expanding Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, enhancing long-range strike options, and increasing sanctions pressure on Russia. Zelensky remarked, “We must conclude this war with dignity and guaranteed security. This can only be achieved through the strength and unity of our partners and sustained pressure on Russia. I thank everyone who is helping us.”
On June 12, Zelensky urged Ukrainians not to ignore air raid alerts in light of reports from the Air Force regarding the potential use of medium-range ballistic missiles by Russia from the Kapustin Yar testing ground.
Prior statements from the Air Force indicated a high likelihood of Russian forces employing a medium-range ballistic missile against Ukraine that day. While specifics on the missile type were not disclosed, it is known that the Russian military has previously used the “Oreshnik” missile from this site.
The last recorded launch of the “Oreshnik” occurred during a large-scale attack on May 24, landing in the vicinity of Bila Tserkva, located in the Kyiv region. Earlier that month, Zelensky noted that the “Oreshnik” had also targeted occupied areas of Donetsk, although he did not specify the timing of those strikes. The missile has been employed in attacks on Ukraine in November 2024 and January 2026 as well.
On June 4, 2026, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the strikes on Bila Tserkva and the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk were conducted to assess the missile’s effectiveness, which he indicated would inform future decisions regarding its operational deployment.
The “Oreshnik” is classified as a Russian intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) capable of exceeding speeds of 12,300 km/h. According to Ukrainian military sources, it carries six warheads, each containing submunitions. The U.S. Department of Defense has identified the “Oreshnik” as a modification of the RS-26 Rubezh intermediate-range missile. Russia announced the commencement of serial production of the “Oreshnik” missiles starting in 2024.
President Zelensky has reported a surge in Russian attacks on Ukraine, including the use of drones and missiles. He called for enhanced defense measures and highlighted upcoming international summits aimed at bolstering support for Ukraine.