Context:

Russia launched its largest drone assault on Ukraine, with 479 drones and 20 missiles, leading to significant tension amidst stalled peace talks. Despite the vast number of drones, most were intercepted by Ukrainian forces, although some strikes resulted in casualties and damage, including one fatality in the Rivne region. In response to the escalating conflict, Ukraine undertook a coordinated attack on Russian air bases, prompting Russia to intensify its aerial and frontline assaults. A prisoner exchange commenced, involving wounded and young captives, with both nations participating in the swap. President Zelensky urged Ukrainian civilians to heed air-raid warnings as the conflict continues to escalate with new fronts opening in northern Ukraine and ongoing drone strikes deep into Russian territory.

Dive Deeper:

• Russia's largest drone assault on Ukraine involved 479 drones and 20 missiles, marking an escalation in hostilities as peace negotiations remain stalled. Despite the scale of the attack, the Ukrainian Air Force successfully intercepted most of the drones, mitigating potential widespread damage.

• The attack resulted in ten recorded strikes, causing one fatality in the Rivne region and damaging a private home near Kyiv. Additional reports from the Sumy region indicated nine injuries over the past day, although no further immediate casualties or destruction were noted.

• In retaliation for Ukraine's large-scale assault on Russian air bases on June 1, Russia increased its aerial attacks, which Moscow described as a response to the surprise strikes on its bombers. This escalation coincides with Russia's efforts to intensify frontline assaults and open a new front in northern Ukraine.

• A prisoner exchange process began, involving the exchange of wounded and young individuals under 25 between Russia and Ukraine. President Zelensky confirmed the ongoing swap, emphasizing the return of Ukrainians from Russian captivity and indicating that the process would continue in multiple stages.

• Amid heightened bombardment, President Zelensky urged civilians to remain vigilant and heed air-raid warnings, emphasizing the importance of self-care and national safety. This plea underscores the increasingly precarious situation for civilians in the conflict zones.

• Ukraine continues to target Russian interests, claiming strikes on a Russian airfield in the Nizhny Novgorod region and a facility in Cheboksary. These claims, however, have not been independently verified, reflecting the ongoing tit-for-tat nature of the conflict.

• Russia's aviation regulator, Rosaviatsia, reported temporary suspensions at four central airports due to security concerns, illustrating the broader impact of the conflict on Russian infrastructure and highlighting the strategic significance of Ukraine's deep incursions into Russian territory.