**Russia Continues Aerial Attacks on Ukraine, Targets Energy Infrastructure**
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia launched a massive assault overnight on June 8, with 49 explosive drones, decoy drones, a cruise missile, and two guided missiles targeting various regions across the country. The attack was met by Ukraine’s air defense systems, which successfully neutralized 40 of the incoming projectiles.
**Air Defense Systems Successfully Counter Attack**
According to Ukrainian officials, the Air Force used air defense missile units, mobile fire groups, and electronic warfare teams from both the Air Force and broader Defense Forces to counter the Russian attack. As a result, 40 Shahed drones and other types of unmanned aerial vehicles were neutralized over the east, south, north, and center of Ukraine. Among these, 22 were destroyed by direct fire, while another 18 were either jammed or lost on radars with no further consequences.
**Key Targets: Kharkiv and Donetsk Oblasts**
The Air Force identified Kharkiv Oblast and Donetsk Oblast as the main directions of the overnight Russian assault. Strikes were recorded at five locations in these regions. While no direct damage or casualties from the latest attack were cited, regional reports provided updates on the previous day’s strikes.
**Previous Day’s Toll: Civilians Killed and Injured**
In Kharkiv Oblast, Head of the Oblast Military Administration Oleh Syniehubov stated that the city of Kharkiv and nine other settlements came under heavy Russian fire during June 7. The attack left three civilians dead and 23 injured. Two of the fatalities occurred in Kharkiv, where 18 people were wounded.
**Russia’s Escalating Campaign**
This latest attack is part of a deliberate and sustained campaign by Russia to disrupt civilian life in Ukraine. Nighttime Russian attacks typically involve at least 100 drones, with numbers occasionally exceeding 400. The use of explosive drones, decoy drones, and guided missiles suggests a coordinated effort to target energy infrastructure and apartment buildings.
**International Response**
Ukrainian FM Dmytro Kuleba urged allies to lift restrictions on long-range strikes into Russia and sought NATO support for Poland to intercept Russian missiles over Ukraine. This move aims to prevent further civilian casualties and disrupt Russia’s military operations.
The ongoing conflict has left many civilians in the crosshairs, with reports of damage and casualties from previous attacks still emerging. The international community is under pressure to respond effectively to this escalating crisis.
**Key Takeaways**
* 49 Russian drones and missiles were launched overnight on June 8, targeting various regions across Ukraine.
* Ukrainian air defense systems successfully neutralized 40 of the incoming projectiles.
* Kharkiv Oblast and Donetsk Oblast were identified as key targets in the attack.
* The previous day’s strikes left three civilians dead and 23 injured in Kharkiv Oblast.
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