Ukraine launches huge drone attack on Russia and occupied Crimea as it seeks to force Putin "to end the war"

June 26, 2026 / 10:58 AM EDT / CBS News

Ukraine launches huge drone attack on Russia and occupied Crimea as it seeks to force Putin "to end the war"

TL;DR

  • Ukraine launched its heaviest drone assault, targeting 12 Russian regions and Crimea.
  • Russia's Tass reported 660 drones intercepted, exceeding previous attacks.
  • Ukrainian drones reportedly struck two military vessels and air defense systems in Crimea.
  • A Russian chemical plant in Tula was reportedly targeted for the second time in two weeks.
  • Analysts note that rapid strikes on energy and industrial infrastructure have a significant impact.
  • Ukraine has intensified strikes on Russian energy and logistics infrastructure.
  • Analysts suggest thinning Russian air defense stockpiles and increased Ukrainian drone production are shifting momentum.
  • Ukraine's drone launches against Russia have increased dramatically from 110 in 2024 to over 3,000 this year.
  • Kyiv claims to have destroyed 1,447 Russian air defense systems since the 2022 invasion.
  • Ukrainian strikes have heavily targeted Crimea, with the Defense Minister aiming to turn it into an "island."
  • Russian authorities in Crimea declared a state of emergency and halted fuel sales to civilians.
  • President Zelenskyy announced a "40-day influence operation" aimed at compelling Russia to end the war.