Massive attack on Ukraine, Ukrainian Armed Forces strike on Russian airfields - Friday brief

Shahed drones, missiles and Tu-95s target Ukraine in Russia's latest major strike

On June 6, Russia launched a massive attack on Ukraine. The enemy deployed Shahed drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles, with Tu-95MS bombers also spotted taking off. Air defense systems are active in many cities.

Later, Ukraine’s Air Force clarified that the enemy launched 452 aerial weapons in total during the night attack, including:

• 6 ballistic missiles (Iskander-M/KN-23) from Kursk and Voronezh regions, Russia;

• 36 Kh-101 cruise missiles launched from Tu-95MS and Tu-160MS strategic bombers over the Saratov region and the Caspian Sea;

• 2 Iskander-K cruise missiles from Dzhankoi (temporarily occupied Crimea);

• 1 Kh-31P anti-radiation missile from a tactical aircraft over the Black Sea.

Ukraine’s air defenses destroyed 406 aerial threats, specifically:

• 199 Shaheds and other UAVs;

• 4 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles (2 more did not reach their targets and are unaccounted for);

• 30 Kh-101 cruise missiles;

• 2 Iskander-K cruise missiles.

There are confirmed enemy strikes in 13 locations, and falling debris was reported in 19 additional locations.

Preemptive strike: Ukrainian General Staff confirms attacks on key Russian airfields

On the night of June 6, the Ukrainian Defense Forces carried out preemptive strikes on enemy aviation airfields that are directly involved in shelling Ukraine. This occurred on the eve of a large-scale Russian attack on Ukrainian cities, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

It is noted that as a result of the operation, the Engels airfield in the Saratov region, where strategic bombers are based, was hit, as well as the Dyagilevo airfield in the Ryazan region, from which aerial refuelers and escort fighters take off.

Russia may need years to replace destroyed jets after Ukraine's operation Spiderweb – Reuters

It will take Russia years to replace the nuclear-capable bombers that were damaged in drone strikes by Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) on June 1. This poses a major obstacle to Russia's already delayed strategic aviation modernization program.

According to the agency, US assessments estimate that up to 20 aircraft were hit in the strikes on Russian airfields, with around 10 reportedly destroyed.

Russian authorities deny the losses. However, military bloggers report significant damage or the loss of approximately a dozen bombers, blaming military leadership for negligence.

EU allocates €30 million to restore water supply in Ukraine's Kryvyi Rih

The European Union has announced €30 million in funding to restore the water supply system in Kryvyi Rih, which was damaged after Russia destroyed the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant dam in 2023, according to the press service of the EU Delegation to Ukraine.

"Russia's attacks have severely damaged Ukraine's water systems, leaving entire cities at risk. With this project, the EU is helping restore vital services and reduce the vulnerability of communities like Kryvyi Rih," said Jocelin Cornet, Head of Section Reconstruction, energy, infrastructure and environment.