Ukraine has launched its largest drone offensive of the war, with Russian forces reporting they intercepted 660 drones across multiple regions overnight.
The aerial assault targeted a dozen Russian regions, Russian-occupied Crimea, and surrounding maritime areas.
Record-breaking offensive
The 660-drone figure represents the largest Ukrainian aerial operation documented in the conflict, exceeding the previous high of 556 drones recorded on 17 May.
Moscow itself came under pressure, with Russian air defences downing 47 Ukrainian drones approaching the capital. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported no casualties or damage from the intercepted drones near the city.
Industrial and military targets hit
Beyond the capital, strikes hit industrial facilities in Novomoskovsk, where both a chemical plant and hydroelectric plant were reportedly attacked and caught fire.
In Russian-occupied Crimea, Ukraine's Security Service claimed its drones attacked naval vessels and radar installations in the port city of Kerch. The agency said the operation targeted two reconnaissance and minelaying ships, the Volga and Vyatka, along with the cargo-passenger ferry Petropavlovsk, reporting a large fire resulted from the attacks.
Part of broader pressure campaign
The massive drone operation came hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a 40-day influence operation designed to pressure Russia into ending the war. Zelensky issued the directive on X shortly before the strikes began.
Strategic drone campaign
Ukraine has targeted oil production and energy infrastructure behind Russian lines and deep inside Russian territory with long-range drones throughout the conflict. The campaign aims to disrupt fuel supplies and military logistics supporting Russian forces.
The conflict began more than four years ago with Russia's full-scale invasion.