**Russia Claims to Have Shot Down 162 Ukrainian Drones in Overnight Attack**
In a massive drone strike, Russia’s air defenses intercepted 162 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) across several regions on June 2. The attack comes as Ukraine has stepped up its drone strikes inside Russian territory over the last few weeks.
According to reports from Russian Telegram channels, the new wave of drones targeted multiple cities and industrial facilities overnight on June 2. Explosions and air raid sirens were reported in at least six oblasts, including Voronezh, Kursk, Lipetsk, Ryazan, Ivanovo, and Volgograd.
**Drone Strikes Widespread Across Russia**
The largest number of drones was reportedly downed over Kursk Oblast (57 drones), followed by the Belgorod (31), Lipetsk (27), Voronezh (16), Bryansk (11), Ryazan (11), Oryol (six), and Tambov (one) oblasts. Two drones were shot down over Russian-occupied Crimea, according to Russia’s Defense Ministry.
In Voronezh, a series of loud explosions occurred around 11 p.m. local time on June 1, shaking windows and triggering car alarms. More than 15 drones were reportedly downed over the city, with bright flashes visible in the night sky.
**Industrial Facilities Targeted**
The attack on Lipetsk Oblast targeted the city of Lipetsk and nearby towns, with some claims suggesting a possible attempt to strike the Novolipetsk Steel plant. NLMK is Russia’s largest steel mill, producing about 20% of the country’s steel output. Ukraine reportedly targeted the plant in February as well.
Ryazan Oblast also came under attack, with falling debris reportedly damaging parked cars and breaking windows in several residential buildings.
**Ukraine’s Response**
Ukraine has not commented on the claims, which could not be independently verified. However, this attack follows a series of similar UAV raids in recent weeks targeting both military and industrial infrastructure inside Russia.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) claimed to have hit 41 Russian heavy bombers at four airfields across the country on June 1 in one of the largest operations inside Russian territory.
**Analysis**
This attack marks a significant escalation in drone strikes by Ukraine against Russian targets. The fact that multiple cities and industrial facilities were targeted suggests a coordinated effort to disrupt Russia’s military and economic activities.
The targeting of key industrial infrastructure, such as the Novolipetsk Steel plant, highlights Ukraine’s ability to strike at Russia’s strategic interests. This could be an attempt to weaken Russia’s economy and limit its ability to wage war against Ukraine.
However, it is essential to note that these claims have not been independently verified, and more information is needed to fully understand the scope and impact of this attack.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
