On June 26, 2026, Ukraine launched its largest drone attack to date across various regions in Russia, according to reports from Russia’s Defense Ministry. The Ministry stated that its air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 660 Ukrainian drones overnight. In response to the attacks, authorities in Crimea declared a state of emergency. This drone strike is part of a series of long-range attacks by Ukraine that have increasingly impacted Russian territory, affecting civilian areas far from the front lines.
Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the situation, stating that Ukrainian drones are arriving in large numbers and are intended to destabilize society. He has urged his government to respond to these developments. The drone strikes have reportedly targeted key infrastructure, including oil production and energy facilities, which have disrupted Russian fuel supplies and military logistics.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a 40-day influence operation aimed at compelling Russia to end the war. Reports indicate that one of the main targets of the recent drone attack was the Azot chemical plant in Tula, Russia, where residents reported hearing explosions. Local social media posts mentioned a strong ammonia smell and power outages following the strike, but these claims have not been independently verified.
In the previous week, Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine had struck a major oil refinery in Moscow. Amid these developments, Putin expressed a willingness for peace talks as the war appears to be turning against him, with increasing public discontent and the visible impact of the conflict within Russia. Former Russian military officer Alexander Lunin warned of potential unrest if the public is not informed about the realities of the war.