**Russia Launches Large-Scale Attack on Ukraine, Targeting Cities Across the Country**
In a devastating escalation of the ongoing conflict, Russia launched another massive attack on Ukraine overnight on June 9. The assault saw drones and missiles being used to target cities across the country, including Kyiv and Rivne.
The attack comes just days after Russia’s previous large-scale aerial bombardment on June 6, which involved launching 452 drones and 45 missiles at Ukraine. This latest strike is believed to be a response to Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb, a daring drone attack that was carried out by the country’s Air Force on June 1.
**Operation Spiderweb: A Bold Move Against Russia**
On June 1, Ukraine’s Air Force launched a surprise attack on four key Russian air bases, damaging 41 military planes and causing an estimated $7 billion in damages. This audacious operation was three years in the making and targeted only military facilities, specifically the aircraft used to bomb civilian targets in Ukraine.
The success of Operation Spiderweb has been hailed as a major blow to Russia’s aerial capabilities, with many experts believing that it will have long-term consequences for Moscow’s ability to wage war on Ukrainian cities. President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected the idea that Russia’s attacks are a response to Operation Spiderweb, instead calling them “acts of destruction.”
**The Kremlin’s Retaliation**
As tensions continue to rise, Ukraine is bracing itself for further large-scale strikes from Russia. The country’s Air Force issued aerial alerts throughout the night on June 8-9, warning multiple regions of the threat of ballistic missiles and Shahed-type attack drones.
Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, reported that an office building in the capital’s Darnytsia district had been damaged in the attack. This is just one example of the widespread destruction caused by Russia’s relentless bombardment.
**A Western Diplomatic Source Speaks Out**
In a recent interview with Reuters, a Western diplomatic source warned that the Kremlin’s retaliation could target high-value government sites, such as administrative buildings or intelligence facilities. This suggests that Moscow may be planning to escalate its attacks even further, putting more civilians at risk.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Ukraine and Russia are locked in a cycle of violence that shows no signs of abating anytime soon.
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