From: Transform Ukraine By Douglas Landro / June 11, 2025
As Russia Launches One of War’s Largest Attacks on Kyiv While Exchanging Prisoners Under Istanbul Deal, Putin Recalibrates Nationalist Rhetoric and Europe Unveils Harshest Sanctions Yet
Summary of the Day – June 10, 2025
The contradiction between Moscow’s diplomatic gestures and military actions reached a crescendo as Russia launched 315 drones and ballistic missiles on Ukrainian cities while simultaneously exchanging prisoners under Istanbul accords. The assault—one of the largest on Kyiv since invasion began—killed three civilians and damaged St. Sophia Cathedral. Putin recalibrated from ethnic nationalism to multiethnic unity while intensifying youth militarization. The EU unveiled its harshest sanctions targeting Russian oil and banking, as intelligence revealed deepening Moscow-Pyongyang cooperation in missile technology and drone production.
The Cathedral Under Fire: 315 Drones Against Ukraine’s Soul
The night sky over Kyiv erupted at 3 a.m. as Russia unleashed 315 Shahed-type attack drones and decoys, two North Korean KN-23 ballistic missiles, and five Iskander-K cruise missiles in a coordinated barrage lasting over five hours. The assault struck with methodical precision across the capital’s districts, leaving death, destruction, and flames in its wake.
Ukrainian air defenses intercepted all seven missiles and shot down 213 attack drones. The remainder found their targets. In the Obolonskyi district, a woman died when drone debris crashed near a residential building. Four others were hospitalized as fires consumed high-rise buildings, warehouses, and vehicles across multiple districts.
Voice of Ukraine 