Russian Occupants’ Terrorist Attack on the Night of June 21: Impressive Scale of the Strike, Destroyed Cities, and Injured Residents
During the night from June 20 to June 21, Russian forces carried out one of the most extensive airstrikes in recent times on Ukrainian territory. According to Ukrainian military sources, the enemy used a record number of aerial attack munitions — up to 280 rockets and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The main area of the attack was Poltava region, primarily the city of Kremenchuk, which suffered significant damage and casualties. Information from the Ukrainian Air Force states that the enemy employed 272 drones of various types during the attack. The military added that, with maximum precision, the occupiers launched two air-burst ballistic missiles of the X-47M2 “Kinzhal” type, as well as four “Caliber” cruise missiles and two “Iskander-K” missiles. According to the military report, Ukrainian defenders successfully intercepted 140 drones, as well as one “Caliber” missile and one “Iskander-K”. At the same time, defense forces recorded losses: at least 112 drones across all locations, along with one “Caliber” missile, one “Iskander-K” missile, and one “Kinzhal” missile presumed to have been destroyed. The most debris and hits were recorded in the city of Kremenchuk. As a result of the large-scale strike, residential neighborhoods were damaged, fires spread, infrastructure was destroyed, and residents witnessed terrible interruptions of peace and night. Preliminary reports indicate there are casualties, injuries, and material damage in the city. Importantly, Ukrainian military reports note that the vast majority of attacking devices were successfully neutralized; however, completely stopping such a large-scale and targeted Russian campaign remains impossible. This once again confirms the high tension on the frontlines and the difficulty in defending against an enemy that continues to utilize tactics of mass missile and drone strikes. Overall, since Russia’s full-scale aggression began, Ukraine has faced an endless stream of dangerous attacks, causing not only widespread destruction but also psychological fatigue among the population. Poltava region, particularly Kremenchuk, remains one of the most vulnerable areas for the enemy, which deliberately seeks to weaken the Ukrainian spirit and undermine efforts toward recovery and rebuilding. Ukrainian defense forces work daily to ensure the safety of civilians, but the need for enhanced air defense and international support to counter such complex challenges is evident. Russian repression continues to concern Ukrainian society, but the combat spirit of the Ukrainian military and international support give hope for halting the aggression and restoring peace on Ukrainian land. For now, each new missile strike is a reminder of the price of freedom and the importance of fighting for the country’s independence and territorial integrity.