Intense attack: Over 450 Russian drones launched against Ukraine in a single night
Stay informed with the latest updates from the Ukrainian-Russian conflict as Ukraine fired a record number of drones in a daring operation against multiple Russian military bases. Follow our live ticker as we bring you the latest developments.
21:32 A Brief Overview of the Night
1. Operation Spider's Web - Ukraine targets Russian military airbases deep within Russia using a massive drone attack, part of Operation Spider's Web, which has resulted in the highest number of drone attacks against Russian territory since the full-scale invasion in February 2022.
2. Damage and Casualties - Preliminary reports suggest that at least 13 strategic bombers were destroyed during this operation, including Tu-22M3 Backfire-C, Tu-95MS Bear-H, and possibly a Tu-160 Blackjack. Reports also indicate that up to 15 people were injured in the ensuing Russian missile strikes on Ukraine.
21:03 Ukraine's Brilliant Counteroffensive – Operation Spider's Web
Zelensky praises General Vasyl Maluk and the Ukrainian intelligence service for Operation Spider's Web. According to the Ukrainian president, this operation "represents our most ambitious operation to date." A total of 117 drones were employed, with those involved in the preparations withdrawn following the operation.
20:32 Russian Retaliation
Following Ukraine's successful drone attack, reports of air raid alarms in Kyiv and other eastern Ukrainian regions suggest that Russia could be directly reacting to the operation with a bombing campaign. Ten Russian Tu-95 bombers reportedly took off earlier today with the aim of firing numerous cruise missiles into Ukraine, although this information is yet to be confirmed.
20:07 US Sanctions for Russia?
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul will meet US Senator Lindsey Graham in Berlin on Monday to discuss new sanctions packages targeting Russia. Graham is preparing a significant sanctions package intended to punish states that continue to buy Russian oil, with preliminary discussions suggesting the package could be discussed and initial steps taken next week.
19:29 Financial Lost for Russia?
The Ukrainian intelligence service SBU estimates that over a third of the strategic bombers capable of carrying cruise missiles have been destroyed in today's drone attacks on four Russian air bases. The loss could amount to seven billion US dollars if the reported figures are accurate, suggesting a heavy blow to Russia's military spending.
18:14 Russia Denies Involvement – Terrorist Attack Claims
Following the Ukrainian attack on Russian military aircraft, the Russian Ministry of Defense has called it a terrorist attack on airfields in various regions of Russia. According to the ministry, the Ukrainian attack was repelled, and some of those involved were arrested. However, videos on social media paint a different picture, with the attack reportedly causing significant damage and destructive results.
17:40 Tragic Results of Russian Attack on Ukrainian Training Ground
Following a Russian missile attack on a Ukrainian military training ground, at least 12 Ukrainian soldiers are reported to have been killed, with over 60 injured. The commander of the Ukrainian army, General Mychajlo Drapatyj, has resigned, stating he feels responsible for the losses suffered in this attack.
17:10 Ukraine Misses Fifth Attack Target?
Videos on social media suggest that Ukraine had planned another drone attack on a more distant Russian military base but that this attack may have failed. A truck carrying the drones reportedly caught fire before the attack, making it impossible to launch the drones. Civilians reportedly prevented the launch of drones from the second truck, with one drone exploding inside the truck and destroying it. The exact outcome of this reported mission remains unclear.
16:32 Russian Troops Use Chinese Laser Air Defense?
Russian troops are allegedly using the Chinese-made laser air defense system 'Silent Hunter' to shoot down Ukrainian drones, according to recent footage. Though China claims neutrality in the conflict and denies involvement, Ukrainian intelligence suggests that the Silent Hunter laser system has been in use since at least October 2024.
16:08 Preparations for Istanbul Talks
The Russian delegation is anticipated to travel to Istanbul for further talks but is reportedly sending the same low-level officials who attended past talks. Ukraine had requested high-level discussions but has not received assurances from Russia.
15:38 Ukrainian Strike on Four Russian Military Bases
The Ukrainian intelligence service conducted a drone attack on four Russian military airfields, with aircraft reportedly on fire and in some cases destroyed at the military airfields 'Belaya', 'Dyagilevo', 'Olenya', and 'Ivanovo'. Ukrainian intelligence claims that more than 40 long-range bombers of the Russian army were hit during this operation, codenamed "Spider's Web."
15:07 Ukraine Employs Unique Attack Strategy
Ukrainian intelligence sources claim that Ukraine has carried out a drone attack on a Russian military base in Eastern Siberia, near the Finnish and Norwegian borders. Drone footage shows fires and smoke at the Belaya Airbase, with the trucks carrying the drones appearing to launch them from a nearby location before quickly moving out of the scene.
14:24 Ukrainian Delegation Heads to Istanbul
According to Zelensky's confirmation, Ukraine will send a delegation to Istanbul tomorrow for talks with Russian representatives. The delegation will be led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and Ukraine's three main demands for these negotiations include a full and unconditional ceasefire, the release of prisoners, and the return of abducted children.
14:14 Ukrainian Drone Strike on Russian Airfield in Siberia – Olenya Base
Videos on social media show fires and smoke at the Olenya Air Force Base in the Russian region of Murmansk, near the Finnish and Norwegian borders. According to Ukrainian intelligence SBU sources, Ukraine launched a large-scale operation to destroy Russian combat aircraft. However, it is unlikely that the drones traveled thousands of kilometers; they were launched from trucks just outside the airbase.
13:55 Discussions on Ukraine's Future – Focus on Sumy
ntv reporter Nadja Kriewald discusses the struggle for Sumy, with Russian troops reportedly advancing on the region "in small groups on foot." Expectations for the upcoming Istanbul negotiations are also touched upon in her report.
13:37 Award for Vitali Klitschko
The mayor of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, has been honored with the Franz-Werfel Human Rights Prize 2025 in the Frankfurt Paulskirche. The award recognizes Klitschko's tireless dedication to freedom, democracy, and human rights, especially during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
13:03 Tragic Losses in Ukrainian Army Training Unit
Russian rocket attacks on an army training unit in Ukraine have resulted in at least 12 fatalities and over 60 injuries. The incident occurred during an air raid alert, when most personnel were in shelters.
12:44 Ukrainian Capture of Russian Soldiers in Kursk
Ukrainian paratroopers have reportedly captured Russian soldiers in the Russian oblast of Kursk. The captives received necessary medical and psychological aid.
11:39 Bridge Collapse in Bryansk and Kursk
There have been reports of bridge collapses in the Russian regions of Bryansk and Kursk. The bridge collapse in Bryansk caused a train to derail, resulting in at least seven deaths and 69 injuries, with 44 people hospitalized, including three children. In Kursk, a bridge also collapsed, causing injuries to the drivers of a freight locomotive.
10:57 Ukrainian Advance in Southern and Eastern Ukraine
Ukranian forces have reportedly gained ground in the regions of Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia. Geolocated video material shows Ukrainian forces taking territory in villages near cities such as Torez and Kharkiv, while Russian troops are also seen advancing in the Donetsk region.
09:55 Blast Near Melitopol Derails Russian Train Reinforcement Unit
Ukranian military intelligence reports that a Russian military convoy carrying fuel and supplies was blown up near Melitopol yesterday. The incident disabled the main logistics artery of the Russian forces in the Oblast of Zaporizhzhia and Crimea.
09:19 Bridge Collapse Confirmed in Bryansk
Bryansk Governor Alexander Bogomaz has confirmed the collapse of a bridge in the Bryansk region on the border with Ukraine. The cause of the bridge collapse was reportedly an explosion, with the train from Klimovo to Moscow passing over the bridge when the explosion occurred. It is unclear whether Ukraine was involved in the bridge collapse.
08:47 Russian Threats against More Ukrainian Territory
According to Andrei Kartapolov, chairman of the defense committee of the Russian State Duma, Russia stands ready to occupy more Ukrainian regions, including Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Odessa, and Mykolaiv. These threats come ahead of the Istanbul negotiations.
08:18 UK Plans Six New Munitions Factories
The UK government has announced plans to build at least six new factories for the production of weapons and munitions. Total investments of $2 billion will go towards modernizing the UK's military industry to better counter its adversaries and improve the nation's security.
07:42 Emergency in Bryansk
The collapse of a bridge in the Bryansk region, near the border with Ukraine, has caused multiple deaths. At least seven people are reported dead, and 69 people were injured, with 44 hospitalized, including three children. The road bridge fell onto railway tracks, causing an oncoming train to derail.
07:11 Another Bridge Collapse in Kursk
A bridge in the district of Shelesnogorsk in the Kursk region, also near the border with Ukraine, has collapsed. The cause of the bridge collapse is currently unknown.
06:17 Vitali Klitschko to Receive Human Rights Award
Vitali Klitschko, Mayor of Kyiv and former world-class boxer, will be honored with the Franz Werfel Human Rights Award 2025 in Frankfurt's Paulskirche. The award recognizes Klitschko's dedicated efforts to promoting freedom, democracy, and human rights in Ukraine and beyond.
04:57 Russian Attack on Zaporizhzhia Critical Infrastructure
The Russian military is reported to have attacked critical infrastructure in the Zaporizhzhia region of southern Ukraine overnight, with a building partially destroyed and a fire started on the premises. There have been no reported fatalities or injuries resulting from the attack.
02:53 Kyiv Under Air Attack
Mayor Vitali Klitschko has announced that air defense units are actively engaging incoming Russian aircraft to protect Kyiv from an air attack. The situation in the city remains tense as Ukrainian forces continue to resist the Russian invasion.
00:44 Bridge Collapse in Bryansk – Injuries and Casualties
According to local authorities, a bridge in the Bryansk region on the border with Ukraine has collapsed, causing injuries to multiple people. The exact number of casualties and injuries is still uncertain. There has been no statement from Ukraine regarding the event.
Stay tuned for more updates as they unfold. Remember, these events are based on the latest available information as of early June 2025. We will update this ticker as new details emerge.
Enrichment Data:
Overall:As of the latest available information up to early June 2025, the recent significant drone strikes were conducted by Russia against Ukraine, not in Russia as previously claimed. Here's an overview of the current status and impact:
Current Status
- Drone Strikes: The Russian military carried out a massive drone strike against Ukraine on May 26-27, 2025, targeting Ukrainian critical infrastructure, including power and communication networks, with some drones reportedly penetrating deep into Ukraine. Reports suggest that the strikes were part of a new wave of Russian attacks on Ukraine.
Impact
- Strategic Implications: The drone strikes cause a temporary disruption of Ukrainian defense systems and civilian infrastructure, affecting operations and daily life in targeted areas. Reports suggest that Ukraine suffered losses, but the full extent of the damage is still uncertain.
- Peace Talks: Despite ongoing military actions, there have been discussions between Ukraine and Russia regarding a ceasefire and peace talks, although there has been no significant progress as of the latest updates.
There is no specific information available as of May 26, 2025, since the latest updates relate to events occurring after that date.
- The Ukrainian-Russian conflict sees frequent updates on a live ticker, with the latest development being Ukraine's record usage of drones in a daring attack against multiple Russian military bases.
- Operation Spider's Web, part of Ukraine's extensive employment policy, involves the use of drones to target various Russian military airbases, deep within Russian territory.
- The finance policy of the US is being shaped by discussions concerning new sanctions packages aiming to punish states buying Russian oil, with possible initial steps to be taken next week.
- The energy sector, particularly the oil-and-gas industry, could face significant consequences due to the destruction of over a third of Russia's strategic bombers capable of carrying cruise missiles.
- The transportation industry might experience changes in the form of increased security measures, as the cybersecurity aspect becomes more critical in dealing with potential adversaries, such as Russia, in war-and-conflicts situations.
- Technology has played a vital role in the conflict, with advances in drone and laser air defense systems having a substantial impact on the outcome of the Ukrainian-Russian war.
