Russia fired fewer drones and missiles at Ukraine in June compared to a month before, an AFP analysis of Ukrainian air force data showed Wednesday, as Kyiv stepped up its own retaliatory attacks on Russia.
Decrease in Aerial Attacks
Moscow launched 5,749 drones and 180 missiles against Ukraine in June — down 29 percent and 15 percent respectively compared to May — following several months of record aerial strikes on its neighbor. Russia has been pummelling Ukraine with daily barrages of drones and missiles, raining them on Ukrainian civilians and key energy infrastructure throughout its invasion, now in its fifth year.
The attacks in June killed civilians in several cities. One hit a UNESCO-protected monastery in the heart of Kyiv, setting the roof of a landmark cathedral ablaze.
Ukraine's Retaliatory Strikes
The drop in the overall number of strikes in June came as Ukraine intensified its own attacks against Russia, calling them fair retribution. Kyiv primarily targets oil processing and exporting facilities, such as refineries, depots and ports, but has also claimed successful attacks on military plants.
Last month it said its forces had struck a plant making key components for Iskander missiles in Russia’s southwestern city of Voronezh, saying the hit would “significantly degrade Russia’s capacity to manufacture new missiles.” Also in June, a Ukrainian attack caused a major fire at a refinery southeast of Moscow, shrouding the capital’s suburbs in plumes of thick black smoke.
Putin Acknowledges Challenges
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday acknowledged his country was facing “challenges,” including fuel shortages amid the Ukrainian strikes. “We see the problems, we are aware of them and are responding to them, but we will certainly ensure the security of both the country and our citizens, as well as the inviolability of Russia’s borders,” Putin said in a speech to loyal supporters.
Zelensky's Influence Operation
Last week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on social media he had approved a 40-day “influence operation” against Russia “aimed at compelling it to end the war.”
