© Isaac Lawrence for The New York Times
Russian forces launched an overnight air assault on 5 June using over 100 drones and a ballistic missile against Ukraine, and continued ground and artillery attacks. Russian strikes killed at least eight civilians, including a baby, and injured dozens across Ukraine, according to local authorities.
This comes as US President Donald Trump continues to push for peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow—two previous rounds of which brought neither peace nor even a ceasefire. Russia, meanwhile, continues its nightly explosive drone attacks on Ukrainian cities while demanding Ukraine’s surrender. At the same time, new US sanctions against Russia have reportedly been stalled by the American president himself.
According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Russia used 103 Shahed-type drones and one Iskander-M ballistic missile in its latest assault from Russian territory and Crimea’s occupied zone. The main directions of attack included Chernihiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa oblasts. Air defenses neutralized 74 drones—28 shot down and 46 jammed or lost. Impacts from the airstrikes were confirmed in 16 locations across Ukraine.
The Air Force’s data suggest that the missile and at least 29 Russian drones may have reached their targets.
In Pryluky, Chernihiv Oblast, Russia struck with at least six Shahed drones, for some reason referred to by their Russian designation as “Geran” by Regional Military Administration head Vyacheslav Chaus.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that the fatal strike destroyed the home of a rescuer, killing his wife, daughter, and grandson.
“This is already the 632nd child killed during the full-scale war,” Zelenskyy said.
Large fires broke out in residential areas. The State Emergency Service reported two detached houses, two garages, one outbuilding, and a car were destroyed.
Kharkiv’s Slobidskyi district was hit by seven Russian drones, with a total of 16 explosive drones targeting Kharkiv Oblast. Additionally, the region was targeted by an Iskander-M Russian missile, two Kh-35, and one more unidentified missile. Mayor Ihor Terekhov and Oblast head Oleh Syniehubov reported 19 injured, including a pregnant woman, a 93-year-old, and four children, aged 7, 9, and 13. Additionally, a 38-year-old man was injured in Izium, Kharkiv Oblast, after an explosion of an unidentified device.
Terekhov stated:
“This is not a strike on military targets. This is deliberate terror against residential areas and ordinary Kharkiv residents.”
Seven apartment buildings were damaged, with drones hitting 17th and 2nd floors directly. Fires erupted in apartments and vehicles.
Russia struck Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi district in Odesa Oblast with drones, damaging a family medicine clinic, a children’s creativity center, and a lyceum school. Local authorities reported no casualties. Fires were extinguished by emergency services. Oblast head Oleh Kiper said law enforcement is documenting Russia’s actions as war crimes.
Sumy Oblast authorities confirmed injuries to two civilians over the past 24 hours: a 42-year-old man and a 13-year-old girl. Nearly 100 Russian strikes hit 35 towns and villages, including the use of more than 20 guided bombs and 30 VOG grenades dropped from drones.
Kherson Oblast authorities reported two killed and 10 injured over the past 24 hours. This morning, Russian forces bombed central Kherson with four KAB bombs, causing additional injuries to a 74-year-old, 68-year-old, and a 44-year-old man.
One apartment block’s entrance was destroyed, and nearby buildings damaged. The strike targeted the Kherson Oblast Administration building.
Four people trapped in a basement were rescued unharmed.
Earlier, a 66-year-old man suffered a blast injury in Bilozerka and will receive outpatient treatment.
In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, two were injured during 428 Russian strikes across 14 settlements, including Vasylivskyi district, local authorities reported.
In Nikopol, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, a 71-year-old man was severely wounded by a Russian drone-dropped munition.
The Donetsk Oblast Military Administration reported an additional fatality and five more injuries from Russian attacks on 4 June.
President Zelenskyy condemned the Russian strikes as acts of terrorism:
“This is another massive attack by Russian terrorists who kill our people every night. We expect action from the US, Europe, and everyone who can help stop this.”
He called for further sanctions and international pressure, stating that peace can only come through force and determination.
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A fire and explosion occurred at the Zavolzhsky Motor Plant in Russia’s Zavolzhye, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, reportedly injuring one worker, according to Astra and official statements from regional labor authorities.
The Russian news Telegram channel Astra reported on 3 June that the incident took place at night when a long-haul truck caught fire inside a workshop containing chemical substances.
The local Gostrudinspektsiya – a labor conditions inspection body – confirmed the event and said one worker sustained burns covering 10% of the body, and added that all circumstances and potential causes of the workplace incident are being investigated.
Authorities noted the blaze began on 2 June and are awaiting notifications from both the employer and the medical institution treating the injured worker.
The Zavolzhsky Motor Plant produces gasoline and diesel engines and is located in the city of Zavolzhia. Media reports emphasized that the factory manufactures engines used in military equipment. Astra reiterated that point, stating:
“The plant also produces engines for military vehicles.”
Russian publication Kommersant previously reported in 2003 that the plant had received a state contract to develop a line of competitive multipurpose diesel engines ranging from 2.2 to 3.4 liters in displacement. At the time, the plant’s director claimed the new engines would be reconstructed versions of the ZMZ-514 and suitable for a range of vehicles, including off-road models, class-D vehicles, 4-ton trucks, and military hardware.
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