Russia's Defence Ministry reported the interception of 660 Ukrainian drones during a major nighttime attack spanning 12 Russian regions, the Russia-held Crimean peninsula, the Black Sea, and the Azov Sea. The strike is one of Kyiv's largest of the war, sustaining pressure on Russia as it struggles with fuel shortages.
The attack occurred hours after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy approved a 40-day influence operation designed to pressure Russia into ending the war. This follows several weeks of a strike campaign targeting energy and military objectives in Moscow-occupied Crimea, with the operation's strategy following a briefing from the head of the security service regarding strikes against Russian targets.
Kyiv's escalating campaign has led to restrictions on fuel sales and surging gasoline prices in Russia, accompanied by regular images of black smoke clouds.
Additionally, Ukrainian officials have stated that their northern neighbor is allowing its radio relay stations to be used to guide Russian attack drones more precisely.