Russia and Ukraine launched large-scale mutual airstrikes targeting each other's capitals overnight.
On June 18, local time, Kyiv was subjected to concentrated bombardment from Russian ballistic missiles and drones, marking another assault on Ukrainian territory just a week after a major strike that resulted in two fatalities on June 15.
Kyiv authorities promptly issued evacuation orders to residents, and air raid alerts were activated across Ukraine. In the northeastern Sumy region, one person was reported killed due to a drone attack.
Simultaneously, Ukraine retaliated with a significant drone strike against Moscow. This assault caused a fire at an oil facility within the city and disrupted operations at Sheremetyevo Airport, partially paralyzing urban functions.
Russian military and local authorities reported that they shot down a total of 500 Ukrainian drones overnight, with 180 of those aimed at Moscow.
Local media described this attack as the largest on Moscow in the past two years.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that the actions were a legitimate exercise of self-defense against Russian aggression targeting Ukrainian citizens and cities.
This military action by Ukraine aligns with the outcomes of the recent G7 summit, which concluded the previous day. Notably, U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at the possibility of resuming sanctions on Russian oil, indicating a shift in stance regarding pressure on Russia.
Zelensky has repeatedly proposed meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has thus far rejected dialogue, building a case for intensified sanctions. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, also asserted that favorable developments for Ukraine are unfolding, advocating for increased support.
In contrast, President Putin appeared at the Russia-ASEAN summit in Kazan, which analysts view as an attempt to establish an independent diplomatic front in response to the G7 meeting in France.
With a recent agreement between the U.S. and Iran potentially breaking the deadlock in Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations, attention is focused on whether talks will resume. Previous negotiations mediated by Trump’s envoys were halted in March due to the fallout from events in the Middle East.
Reports indicate that António Costa, the EU Council President, has initiated preliminary contacts to open dialogue channels with President Putin, raising cautious optimism about the potential for future negotiations.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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