Russian Missile and Drone Barrage Kills at Least 22 Across Ukraine

Jun 2, 2026

A massive Russian missile and drone barrage killed at least 22 people and wounded over 100 across Ukraine, hitting cities like Kyiv and Dnipro. Russia launched 73 missiles and 656 drones, claiming the attack was retaliation for a strike in Luhansk. President Zelensky appealed for more US Patriot missiles, as Ukraine faces a shortage exacerbated by a halt in direct American aid.

Russian missile drone strikes

▪The Ukrainian Air Force reported neutralizing 40 Russian missiles and 602 drones during the attack.
▪On June 2, 2026, Russia launched an overnight attack on Ukraine involving 73 missiles and 656 drones.
▪Russia's Ministry of Defence stated the 'massive strike' targeted Ukraine's military-industrial complex and defense industry facilities.

Civilian casualties across Ukraine

▪The Russian attacks on June 2, 2026, killed at least 22 people and wounded more than 100 across Ukraine.
▪In the city of Dnipro, 16 people were killed, including two children, and at least 25 were wounded.
▪A Russian missile strike hit a 24-story apartment building in Kyiv, causing a collapse and trapping people under rubble.
▪In the capital city of Kyiv, at least six people were killed and 51 were injured, including children.

Kremlin retaliation claims

▪The Kremlin claimed its strikes were retaliation for a Ukrainian drone attack on a student dormitory in Russian-held Luhansk that killed 21 people in May.
▪Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia was conducting 'systematic strikes' on Ukrainian military infrastructure and decision-making centers.
▪Ukraine has denied targeting the Luhansk dormitory, stating its forces hit a Russian drone command center in the area.

Patriot missile system shortages

▪Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appealed to the United States for more missiles for Patriot air defense systems following the attack.
▪Ukraine is facing a shortage of Patriot missiles, which has been exacerbated by the US and Israeli war against Iran.
▪The administration of US President Donald Trump has stopped direct military supplies to Ukraine, requiring European allies to purchase systems for Kyiv.

Ukrainian counterattacks on Russia

▪A separate Ukrainian drone attack caused a fire at the Ilsky oil refinery in Russia's Krasnodar region.
▪A Ukrainian drone attack killed one person in Russia's Kursk region near the Ukrainian border.