The Washington Inquirer EditorIn a dramatic escalation of the Russia-Ukraine war, Russia unleashed one of the conflict’s largest air attacks, bombarding Ukrainian cities with hundreds of drones and missiles in retaliation for Ukraine’s audacious drone raid on Russian strategic bomber bases. The massive assault, which left a trail of destruction across multiple regions, highlighted the intensifying cycle of tit-for-tat strikes as both nations dig in for a prolonged conflict. The barrage came just days after Ukraine’s “Spiderweb” operation, which crippled a significant portion of Russia’s long-range aviation, underscoring the high stakes of a war now in its fourth year.
The Russian attack occurred on June 6, 2025, striking targets from Kyiv to Lviv and Sumy, killing at least four people and injuring dozens. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described it as one of the most extensive aerial bombardments since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022, with over 400 drones and 40 missiles launched in a coordinated assault. The timing, following Ukraine’s June 1 strike on Russian airfields, suggested a deliberate response to Kyiv’s bold move, which had humiliated Moscow and prompted vows of vengeance from Russian officials.
Ukraine’s Bold Strike Sets the Stage
The catalyst for Russia’s massive retaliation was Ukraine’s meticulously planned “Spiderweb” operation, a drone attack that targeted Russian strategic bomber bases deep inside Russian territory. On June 1, Ukraine launched 117 drones, smuggled into Russia on trucks disguised as civilian vehicles, to strike airfields in Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur. The operation, developed over 18 months, aimed at Russia’s Tu-95 and Tu-22M bombers—critical assets for launching cruise missile attacks on Ukraine. Ukrainian officials claimed the strike destroyed or damaged at least 13 aircraft, representing 34% of Russia’s nuclear-capable bomber fleet, at an estimated cost of $7 billion.
The attack was a tactical and psychological blow to Moscow. Videos circulating online showed drones striking aircraft, with flames erupting at bases like Olenya and Belaya. Russian military bloggers called it a “catastrophe” for their long-range aviation, while pro-Kremlin voices demanded severe retaliation, some even invoking nuclear options. Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) justified the strike, noting that the targeted bombers had been used to devastate Ukrainian cities. The operation’s success, executed just before faltering peace talks in Istanbul, signaled Ukraine’s intent to project strength and expose Russia’s vulnerabilities.
Russia Launches One of War’s Largest Air Attacks
On June 6, Russia responded with a staggering display of force, launching 407 drones, nearly 40 cruise missiles, and six ballistic missiles in a barrage that targeted nine Ukrainian regions. The assault, described by Ukrainian officials as the second-largest drone attack of the war, overwhelmed air defenses in several areas. In Kyiv, residents endured hours of air raid sirens as anti-aircraft systems and machine gun fire lit up the sky. A residential building was struck, killing three first responders and injuring 20 others. In Lutsk, near Poland’s border, five people were wounded, while Ternopil reported damage to homes, schools, and government buildings.
The Ukrainian Air Force intercepted 199 drones and 36 missiles, but the sheer volume of the attack caused widespread destruction. Power outages affected thousands, with Ukraine’s energy operator DTEK reporting disruptions for over 2,000 households. In Kharkiv and Sumy, air raid alerts forced civilians into shelters as missiles rained down. Zelensky condemned the attack as a deliberate targeting of civilians, posting on social media, “Russia’s answer to peace is hundreds of drones and missiles on our cities.” Despite the devastation, Kyiv residents remained defiant, with one local, Mykola, telling reporters, “We’ve been through worse. Our spirit is unbroken.”
A Cycle of Retaliation Intensifies
Russia’s Ministry of Defense framed the attack as a response to Ukraine’s “terrorist acts,” explicitly citing the “Spiderweb” operation. The strike on Russian airfields had exposed gaps in Moscow’s air defenses, prompting embarrassment and calls for accountability within Russia’s military establishment. The loss of irreplaceable Tu-95 and Tu-22M bombers, which are no longer in production, was a significant blow to Russia’s long-range strike capabilities. In response, Moscow has shifted to using more drones and ballistic missiles, which are harder to intercept but less precise than cruise missiles launched from bombers.
Ukraine, undeterred, continued its offensive. On the night before Russia’s massive assault, Ukrainian drones struck two additional Russian airfields in Saratov and Ryazan, targeting aircraft unscathed by the initial “Spiderweb” operation. These follow-up strikes, though smaller in scale, demonstrated Kyiv’s determination to keep Russia on the defensive. The back-and-forth attacks have raised fears of a dangerous escalation, with Russian hardliners advocating for harsher measures and some analysts warning of potential nuclear saber-rattling.
Geopolitical Fallout and Stalled Diplomacy
The timing of Russia’s attack, days after a phone call between President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, added a layer of complexity to the conflict. Trump, who has pushed for a ceasefire, recounted that Putin vowed to respond “very strongly” to Ukraine’s strikes. However, Trump’s failure to urge restraint drew criticism from Ukrainian officials. Lawmaker Oleksandr Merezhko accused the U.S. president of tacitly endorsing Russia’s retaliation, stating, “When Putin says he’ll strike civilians, and Trump doesn’t push back, it’s a signal.” Zelensky, in a pointed rebuke, called for global action, warning that inaction makes world leaders “complicit” in Russia’s aggression.
The assault followed the collapse of peace talks in Istanbul, where Russia demanded Ukraine’s neutrality and demilitarization—terms Kyiv rejected as surrender. Turkey’s mediation efforts faltered as Russia sent a low-level delegation, signaling a lack of commitment. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accused Moscow of using the talks as a pretext to regroup while escalating attacks. The failure of diplomacy, coupled with Trump’s noncommittal stance, has left European allies like Germany and France scrambling to bolster Ukraine’s defenses ahead of a NATO summit.
Strategic Shifts and Long-Term Implications
Ukraine’s “Spiderweb” operation has reshaped the strategic landscape. By targeting Russia’s aging bomber fleet, Kyiv disrupted Moscow’s ability to launch long-range missile attacks, though Russia’s pivot to drones and ballistic missiles mitigates some of the impact. The loss of bombers has forced Russia to invest in fortifying its air bases with electronic warfare systems and physical barriers, a costly endeavor. NATO analysts have noted that the operation highlights the vulnerability of large military installations to low-cost drone attacks, prompting allies to reassess their own defenses.
For Ukraine, the strike was a morale booster, proving its ability to hit deep into Russian territory. However, it also risks provoking a cornered Russia, especially as Putin faces domestic pressure to respond forcefully. The operation’s success came at a cost: Russia’s retaliatory strikes have intensified civilian suffering, with damaged infrastructure and disrupted power supplies complicating Ukraine’s war effort. Analysts warn that continued Ukrainian strikes on Russian strategic assets could push Moscow toward unpredictable responses, though Russia’s nuclear capabilities, including submarines and intercontinental missiles, remain unaffected.
A Resilient Ukraine Faces an Uncertain Future
As the war grinds on, Ukraine’s resilience remains a defining feature. The “Spiderweb” operation and subsequent strikes demonstrate Kyiv’s ingenuity and determination, while Russia’s massive air assault underscores its willingness to inflict maximum damage. In Kyiv, residents sifted through the rubble of bombed buildings, expressing defiance even as air raid sirens became a daily ritual. “We will not break,” said Olha, a Kyiv teacher, as she helped clear debris from her apartment block. Zelensky, meanwhile, vowed to continue targeting Russian military assets, including the Kerch Bridge, a critical link to occupied Crimea.
The international community faces a daunting challenge. With peace talks stalled and Trump’s diplomacy faltering, pressure is mounting on NATO and G7 leaders to act decisively. Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz, fresh from his meeting with Trump, urged stronger sanctions on Russia, while France pushed for increased military aid to Ukraine. Yet, the specter of escalation looms large, with Russia’s nuclear rhetoric and Ukraine’s bold strikes raising the stakes. As both sides brace for a long war, the path to peace remains elusive, leaving millions caught in the crossfire.
Focus Keywords: Russia-Ukraine war, Russian air attack, Ukraine drone strike, Spiderweb operation, Kyiv bombardment, strategic bombers, Zelensky, Putin, retaliation, peace talks
