Ukraine endures its most prolonged aerial bombardment phase since the war began, with Russia deploying an unprecedented volume of armed drones.
Kyiv, June 10, 2025 — Residents of Kyiv endured yet another sleepless night as swarms of Russian drones swept across the capital in a display of increasing ferocity and strategic precision. The overnight attack, which lasted for several hours, featured a relentless wave of buzzing drones and intense anti-aircraft fire that lit up the skyline.
Though not the largest assault in terms of numbers, Monday night’s barrage exemplifies a disturbing new normal: frequent, large-scale drone attacks that appear to be evolving in both scope and sophistication.
A City Under Constant Siege
Witnesses across Kyiv reported waves of drones approaching from multiple directions, as searchlights scanned the sky and air defence systems responded with rapid gunfire and surface-to-air missiles. The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed that 315 drones were detected overnight, of which 250 were strike drones—a record figure for a single day’s assault.
According to Air Force spokesman Yurii Ihnat, the vast majority were directed at Kyiv. The strike also included seven ballistic and cruise missiles, further intensifying the scale of destruction. Apartment blocks, offices, and even cultural landmarks were among the locations impacted.
“It’s become more intense,” said Katya, a long-time Kyiv resident. “It used to be easier emotionally. Now it’s harder. You can even hear that the drones sound different—there’s something new.”
Escalating Drone Warfare
Russia’s use of drones in Ukraine has escalated sharply in recent months. According to figures from Ukraine’s General Staff, the number of drones launched by Russian forces has surged dramatically—from 1,100 in the three months before August last year to over 4,000 in May 2025 alone.
The vast majority of these are believed to be Shahed-type drones, initially supplied by Iran and now domestically manufactured in Russia under the name “Geran.” Ukrainian intelligence officials estimate that 25,000 Geran drones have been produced at a facility in Yelabuga, with an additional 20,000 assembled from Iranian-supplied components.
“Russian engineers have been tasked with making these drones more lethal,” said Artem Dehtiarenko, spokesperson for Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU). “They’re constantly modifying the payload, targeting systems, and even the drone design to make them harder to detect and destroy.”
Cultural Heritage at Risk
In a troubling development, the St. Sophia Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kyiv’s most cherished religious monuments, suffered minor damage from the blast waves during Monday’s attack. The Ministry of Culture reported a damaged cornice on the cathedral’s eastern façade, warning that the structural integrity of ancient buildings is vulnerable to ongoing vibrational impacts from nearby explosions.
“Even without a direct hit, repeated shockwaves can seriously compromise centuries-old architectural elements,” the ministry said in a public statement.
Human Toll and Psychological Fatigue
For many Kyiv residents, the psychological strain of nightly bombardments is beginning to take a toll. While Ukraine’s air defences intercept a significant number of incoming drones, the sheer volume and unpredictability of the attacks leave civilians in a state of perpetual anxiety.
The sound of drones—once unfamiliar—has now become a symbol of dread.
“Every night feels like a lottery,” Katya added. “You don’t know if it will be your neighbourhood next.”
