KYIV, Ukraine — A devastating, large-scale aerial assault swept across Ukraine in the early hours of Tuesday, June 2, 2026, as Russian forces unleashed a barrage of missiles and drones. The coordinated attack, which targeted cities including Kyiv, Dnipro, and Kharkiv, has left at least 11 people dead and scores more injured, according to official reports.

The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia launched a massive offensive comprising 73 missiles and 656 drones. While Ukrainian air defenses were able to intercept and suppress 40 missiles and 602 drones, the sheer volume of the assault resulted in hits across 38 locations nationwide.

The payload included a reported 30 ballistic missiles, which struck critical infrastructure and residential areas, triggering emergency responses and widespread damage.

The impact of the strike was felt most acutely in major population centers, where Kyiv experienced heavy bombardment that killed at least four people and injured 58, including children. Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported significant damage to a medical clinic, gas stations, and residential buildings, specifically noting a nine-story structure in the Podilskyi district and a 24-story apartment block where search efforts are underway for those potentially trapped under the rubble.

Meanwhile, in Dnipro, at least six people were killed and 36 injured after a "double-tap" strike targeted the area as first responders were attempting to aid victims, resulting in the death of at least one rescuer. Additionally, Kharkiv sustained damage to vehicles, garages, and residential property from drone and ballistic missile strikes, leaving at least 14 people injured.

This morning's violence follows days of intelligence warnings regarding a renewed Russian offensive. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had cautioned the public that Moscow was preparing a mass strike, urging citizens to remain in shelters.

The Kremlin had signaled earlier that it intended to conduct "systematic attacks" on Kyiv in response to recent strikes on Russian-controlled territories. In the aftermath of the attack, Ukraine’s human rights ombudsman, Dmytro Lubinets, issued a desperate call for international support, stating, "Russia continues terror against Ukraine’s civilians. The world must act. These attacks must stop. Every day of delay costs lives."

As emergency services continue to work through the debris, the death toll remains fluid, and the nation continues to grapple with widespread power outages and the psychological toll of one of the largest combined air assaults in recent months.