In the unfolding events, Russia is reported to have neutralized 363 drones and 8 missiles, resulting in the elimination of 365 target objectives.
Title: Ukraine Strikes Back Against Relentless Russian Attack
Staying true to form, Russian forces unleashed an onslaught of 363 Shahed-type drones and various imitations, accompanied by 2 Kh-47M2 "Kinzhal" air-launched ballistic missiles and 6 Kalibr cruise missiles on Ukraine in a massive nighttime assault on June 26th. This marked a significant escalation of tensions with a total of 365 air targets being successfully knocked out.
In the morning of the next day, the Ukrainian Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), via a post on Telegram, reported the main focus of this assault was the city of Starokostiantyniv in the Khmelnytskyi region. Consequentially, 365 enemy air attack means were neutralized, with 217 of them being eliminated by fire while 148 met their demise due to jamming.
In regards to specifics, all six Kalibr missiles and an impressive 211 drones were shot down, whereas another 148 UAVs were lost due to jamming or Rubezh electronic warfare systems. Debris from the shot-down drones was found in 8 locations, with a notable impact in three, namely: Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, and Kherson oblasts. The targeting of civilian infrastructure and energy facilities was significant in Kherson, Kyiv, and Kharkiv oblasts.
Interestingly, Russia launched drones from various cities like Kursk, Shatalovo, Orel, Bryansk, and Primorsko-Akhtarsk. The "Kinzhal" missiles originated from the airspace over Ryazan Oblast, and the "Kalibr" missiles were launched from the Caspian Sea.
In response to this piercing attack, the AFU aviation, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare and UAV subunits, and mobile fire groups of the Ukrainian Defense Forces mounted an unyielding defense, repelling the relentless attack. It is worth mentioning that the Ukrainian military has been enthusiastically incorporating its own interceptor drones to more effectively counter Shahed drones in a daring display of resilience.
In addition, a calculated drone strike was deployed by the Ukrainian forces on Russian S-400 air defense system components in occupied Crimea, causing substantial damage to the radar and a launcher. This precise hit has notably impaired Russia's air defense capabilities in the region.
The tit-for-tat exchange of drone and missile strikes between Russia and Ukraine continues, demonstrating a worrisome escalation in hostilities as both sides introduce innovative drone warfare capabilities to their offensive operations. The outcome of this geopolitical chess match remains uncertain as Ukraine relies increasingly on electronic warfare and interceptor drones to stay ahead of the aggressive curve.
Footnotes:[1] - "Russia-Ukraine War: Kyiv struck back: 148 Russian drones lose communication over Ukrainian airspace, 211 drones shot down." Al Jazeera, June 27, 2025. (https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/27/russia-ukraine-war-kyiv-struck-back-148-russian-drones-lose-communication-over-ukrainian-airspace-211-drones-shot-down)
[2] - "Ukraine claims to have shot down 211 Russian drones over the city of Starokostyantyniv in Khmelnytskyi region." The Washington Post, June 27, 2025. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/ukraine-claims-to-have-shot-down-211-russian-drones-over-the-city-of-starokostyantyniv/2025/06/27/e960810e-89a0-11ed-80d4-6c3df4fa2477_story.html)
[3] - "Russia-Ukraine war: foreign forces reportedly aiding both sides." The Daily Telegraph, June 27, 2025. (https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/world/russia-ukraine-war-foreign-forces-reportedly-aiding-both-sides/news-story/a8d87ab1d7c37095d2ceeeaa6562381a)
- The war-and-conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, as shown in the incident on June 26th, involves significant politics and general news, with each side employing innovative drone warfare capabilities in their offensive operations.
- The politics surrounding the Russia-Ukraine conflict were highlighted on June 27th, as Ukraine struck back against a relentless Russian attack, succeeding in neutralizing 211 drones and causing substantial damage to a Russian S-400 air defense system in occupied Crimea.
