In the early hours of 3 June 2025, Russian forces launched a massive drone assault on Ukraine, using 112 UAVs including Shahed explosive drones and decoys from various directions. The Ukrainian Air Force reported 75 drones were neutralized, while 11 locations were struck, causing civilian casualties and infrastructure damage in multiple oblasts, according to local authorities.

Later in the morning, Russia shelled Sumy with rockets, killing two civilians and injuring about 20 others, and targeted Mykolaiv with an air-launched ballistic missile:

Russia kills civilians in central Sumy with Tornado-S cluster munitions. “Hypersonic” Kinzhal hits near Mykolaiv (updated)

Odesa: five civilians injured, fires break out

According to the Odesa Oblast Military Administration and the regional prosecutor’s office, Russian drone strikes injured five civilians. One person was hospitalized in moderate condition, while others were treated at the scene. Fires erupted at multiple sites, including a major blaze at a food warehouse. Two cars burned down in a detached house area, and damage was reported to garages and residential buildings.

The State Emergency Service (DSNS) deployed 22 vehicles and 72 personnel, supported by three more units and 12 additional responders from the National Guard and local authorities. Air raid alerts were issued at 03:00, and explosions began around 03:32. According to Suspilne, Ukrainian air defense warned earlier that drone groups were advancing from the Black Sea toward Odesa Oblast.

Balakliia: one dead, one injured in drone strike

Overnight on 3 June, Russian drones struck Balakliia in Izium district, Kharkiv Oblast. Balakliia City Military Administration head Vitalii Karabanov reported several impacts in the town. A civilian was killed, and another person was injured.

Some strikes hit a civilian enterprise and open areas, causing wildfires. The DSNS later confirmed drone attacks on a postal terminal on the outskirts of Kharkiv, resulting in a fire that consumed two warehouse buildings and containers over a 3,000 m² area.

Postal company Nova Poshta, which operated the terminal, confirmed that part of its sorting facility was destroyed. The company stated:

We are contacting clients whose parcels were destroyed in the Russian attack regarding compensation.”

Chernihiv: four civilians injured, private and public buildings hit

Around 02:27, Russian drones hit Chernihiv. Chernihiv City Military Administration head Dmytro Bryzhynskyi reported that a Shahed drone struck a detached house, injuring two people — one critically. Later, the Chernihiv Oblast Military Administration confirmed four total casualties: two women and two men, all hospitalized with serious injuries.

A one-family home burned down, and a five-story residential building was damaged along with several other homes. Bryzhynskyi and regional head Viacheslav Chaus also reported damage to a school, multiple shops, a bus stop, and an industrial facility.

Sumy Oblast: guided bombs hit center of Khotin village

On 2 June, Russia launched three KAB guided bombs on the center of Khotin town in Sumy district. According to the Sumy Oblast Military Administration, there were no casualties, but significant damage was reported.

A medical facility, school, church, and about 20 detached houses were damaged in the attack.

Nationwide air assault

According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia launched 112 Shahed-type and decoy drones overnight from Kursk, Orel, Millerovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk in Russia, and Chauda in occupied Crimea. The main axes of attack were Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Sumy, Poltava, Odesa, and Donetsk oblasts. Ukrainian air defenses — including aviation, anti-aircraft missile units, EW systems, UAV units, and mobile fire groups — were activated. Of the 75 drones neutralized, 60 were shot down and 15 suppressed or lost via EW.

The Air Force’s data suggests that at least 37 Russian drones may have reached their intended targets.