Russia launched a record-breaking 479 drones in overnight attacks across multiple regions of Ukraine, including for the first time the western city of Rivne, Ukraine’s air force reported Monday (June 9).
Although there were no mass casualties, at least 70 buildings, including a nursery, were damaged in the region, prompting Ukrainian officials to call it the largest attack Rivne has witnessed since the start of the war.
The Russian defence ministry said the strikes targeted an airfield near Dubno, framing it as retaliation for Ukraine’s earlier attack on Russian bomber aircraft in Siberia. Meanwhile, Ukraine confirmed a retaliatory drone strike on a Russian electronics factory in Chuvashia, more than 600 km east of Moscow, where parts for Shahed drones are allegedly manufactured.
Where were the Russian and Ukrainian drone attacks focused?
According to Ukrainian authorities:
- Air strikes were recorded in 10 different locations, including Rivne, which had previously seen relatively few attacks.
- Rivne Mayor Oleksandr Tretyak called it the worst assault on the city since the war began.
- Regional Governor Oleksandr Koval confirmed 70 structures were damaged, including homes and a childcare facility.
Russia claimed it had struck an airfield near Dubno, justifying the move as part of its “retaliatory campaign” for Ukraine’s deep strikes on Russian airfields, including those in Siberia.
On the Ukrainian side:
- Ukrainian forces launched drones at the VNIIR electronics factory in Cheboksary, Chuvashia.
- Two drones fell on the factory grounds, damaging production and temporarily halting its operations, according to Chuvashia Governor Oleg Nikolayev. Ukraine claims the factory produces antenna systems for Shahed drones, which Russia routinely uses to bombard Ukrainian cities.
Why are drones playing such a central role in the war?
The latest exchange of drone strikes points to the centrality of drones in modern conflict, particularly in the Russia-Ukraine war. Both sides are increasingly relying on unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for long-range strikes deep inside enemy territory, surveillance and reconnaissance, and targeted attacks on critical infrastructure, including airfields, factories, and command centres
Russia frequently uses Iranian-designed Shahed drones, deploying them en masse in saturation attacks to overwhelm Ukrainian air defences. Ukraine has adapted by launching long-range drones of its own, capable of striking targets hundreds of kilometres inside Russia—including Moscow, Chuvashia, and Siberia.
The growing sophistication of drone warfare also goes to show the evolution of industrial targets: instead of only hitting military outposts, Ukraine is now targeting supply chains, such as drone part manufacturers, which cripples Russia’s replenishment capabilities.