Combined assault on Rivne and drone strikes in Kyiv: Early details of Russia's nighttime attack

Weapons used

On the evening of Sunday, June 8, Russian forces launched Shahed-type attack drones toward Ukrainian territory from various directions. As a result, air raid alerts began to be declared in northern and eastern Ukraine.

Then, around 2:00 AM on Monday, June 9, the Air Force warned of a potential ballistic missile strike from the south and north, as well as cruise missile launches from the Black Sea.

Shortly afterward, the Air Force reported missile launches from Russia’s Bryansk region toward Chernihiv and Kyiv.

By 4:00 AM, it became known that several groups of cruise missiles had been launched. Monitoring channels reported the takeoff of Tu-95MS strategic bombers, although the Air Force did not officially confirm this. Initially, it was believed the missiles were heading toward Kyiv, but later the Air Force clarified that they were observed in the Zhytomyr region heading toward the Rivne region.

Later, in its report, the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine stated that a total of 499 aerial attack weapons were launched by the enemy overnight on June 9 (starting from 8:00 p.m. on June 8), marking yet another record-breaking attack.

Specifically, the enemy launched:

• 479 Shahed drones and other types of imitation UAVs;
• 4 Kh-47M2 Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles;
• 10 Kh-101 cruise missiles;
• 3 Kh-22 cruise missiles;
• 2 Kh-31P anti-radiation missiles;
• 1 Kh-35 cruise missile.

In response, Ukrainian forces neutralized:

• 277 Shahed drones and other imitation UAVs (183 of which were either lost from radar or suppressed via electronic warfare);
• 10 Kh-101 cruise missiles;
• 4 Kh-47M2 Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles;
• 2 Kh-22 cruise missiles (which did not reach their targets and were lost from radar);
• 2 Kh-31P anti-radiation missiles;
• 1 Kh-35 cruise missile.

The impact of enemy aerial weapons was recorded in 10 locations, while debris from downed weapons fell in 17 locations.

Colonel Yurii Ihnat, Head of Communications for the Ukrainian Air Force, stated during a national TV broadcast that the main Russian strike that night targeted one of Ukraine’s operational airfields.

“We are now talking about air-based means of attack in general. A massive strike - one of the largest that Russia has launched against our country in recent times. The main blow, as is probably already being discussed on public channels, was directed at one of the operational airfields, which was attacked by the enemy,” he said.

Poland scrambles military aircraft

During the night of June 9, the Polish army scrambled military aircraft in response to a Russian missile attack on Ukraine.

"Due to the intense aerial assault by the Russian Federation on Ukrainian territory, Polish and allied aircraft became active in Polish airspace in the early morning hours," the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces reported.

Poland's defense forces stated that they deployed "all available resources and means at their disposal." Specifically, ground-based air defense and radar surveillance systems were placed on high alert.

"These actions are preventive in nature and are being taken to ensure security and monitor the situation close to the borders of the Republic of Poland," the Polish military added.

Kyiv

An air raid alert was declared in Kyiv already on Sunday evening. The capital came under a massive drone attack by Russian forces, and air defense systems were active.

According to the head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, Tymur Tkachenko, an office building in the Darnytskyi district was damaged. He emphasized that emergency services had been dispatched to the scene.

"Emergency teams are working on-site. We're assessing the extent of the damage. Information is being clarified. The attack is ongoing," he said.

Rivne and region

The main target of the Russian strike overnight appeared to be Rivne and the surrounding region. Initially, the region was hit by a large-scale drone attack from several directions.

Around 3:00 AM, monitoring channels reported the takeoff of a Russian MiG-31K jet and the potential launch of Kinzhal hypersonic missiles toward Rivne. However, this information was not officially confirmed.

By 5:00 AM, repeated explosions were heard in Rivne during the launch of cruise missiles.

According to Oleksandr Koval, head of the Rivne Regional Military Administration, it was a difficult night for the region.

"A very tough night for the Rivne region. Our region came under a powerful air strike from Russian forces. Preliminary reports indicate one civilian was injured," Koval said.

Odesa

Around 2:00 AM, Russian forces launched cruise missiles toward the Odesa region. The Air Force reported the threat of a missile strike.

"Attention! Missiles heading toward Odesa from the Black Sea," the statement said.

Before that, monitoring channels warned of Kh-22 missile launches from Tu-22M3 bombers.

Poltava region

According to acting head of the Poltava Regional Military Administration (RMA), Volodymyr Kohut, debris from a downed UAV damaged a power line in the Myrhorod district overnight.

“Energy crews promptly restored electricity using a backup line. Further repair work is scheduled throughout the day,” he stated.

Dnipropetrovsk region

The enemy also continued its terror campaign in the Dnipropetrovsk region, launching drones at the area. Ukrainian defenders shot down six drones over the region during the evening and night.

According to Regional Military Administration Head Serhii Lysak, a utility building caught fire in the Samarivskyi district due to the attack. Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze.

By early morning, the aggressor resumed strikes on the Nikopol district, using heavy artillery and FPV drones to target Nikopolska, Marhanetska, and Pokrovska communities.

The Malomykhailivska community in the Synelnykivskyi district was also hit by Russian forces. Vehicles and residential properties were damaged.

Cherkasy region

According to Regional Military Administration Head Ihor Taburets, air defense systems were active throughout the night in the Cherkasy region. A total of 33 Russian drones were neutralized within the region. No casualties were reported, but significant damage from debris occurred.

In the Cherkaskyi district, four houses, one utility building, and a vehicle were damaged. A forest fire also broke out, affecting 2 hectares, but it has since been extinguished.

In the Zolotoniskyi district, four houses, utility buildings, a garage, and a canteen on private business property were damaged.

Photo: Aftermath of the enemy night attack in Cherkasy region on the night of June 9 (Source: t.me/cherkaskaODA)

Kyiv region

Air defense systems were actively operating overnight in the Kyiv region, successfully intercepting enemy targets. According to the Regional Military Administration (RMA), there were no civilian casualties, and no hits on critical infrastructure were reported.

However, as a result of the enemy attack in the Boryspil district, two private houses, a vehicle, and a utility structure were damaged.

“The damage to the buildings is minor - the facades were pitted and windows shattered. Emergency services continue to work on documenting and eliminating the consequences of the attack,” said Mykola Kalashnyk, head of the RMA.

Sources: the Air Force, Rivne Regional Military Administration, and Kyiv City Military Administration.