Russia carried out its deadliest attack in several months during the night of June 1–2, 2026, killing at least 22 civilians — 16 in Dnipro and 6 in Kyiv — and injuring 138 people, including 81 in Kyiv.
Russia launched 73 missiles and 656 drones across Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. The main targets were Kyiv, Dnipro, and the eastern cities of Poltava, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia. Ukrainian air defenses destroyed or neutralized 40 missiles and 602 drones.
On June 3, Kyiv retaliated by launching hundreds of drones that traveled more than 1,000 km to strike an oil terminal in St. Petersburg. Russian air defenses shot down 354 Ukrainian drones, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Russia Is Losing Momentum
After recording territorial gains for 26 consecutive months (since November 2023), Russia’s trend reversed in March 2026: the country posted a net territorial loss during March, April, and May.
Overall, between March 3 and June 3, Russia lost 152 sq mi (393 km²).
The following chart illustrates the evolution of the area of Ukrainian territory occupied by Russia. Green indicates periods during which Russia gained territory, while orange indicates periods during which Ukraine gained territory.
This chart highlights that, apart from the period immediately following the Russian invasion — during which Russia gained 9,921 sq mi — the net area occupied by Russia has consistently remained below its pre-war level (February 2022).
The 48 895 sq mi under Russian control in February 2022 corresponded to Crimea and the territories of the Donbas controlled by pro-Russian separatists.
As of June 3, 2026, compared with February 2022, Ukraine had regained control of 3,239 sq mi (48,895 − 45,656).
Sources:
– Massive Russian attack | PBS News
– Russia & Ukraine Coverage | ISW
– Ukraine’s drones are breaking Russian defenses | The Washington Post
– Russia-Ukraine War Report Card, April 29, 2026 | Russia Matters
– Russia-Ukraine War Report Card, May 20, 2026 | Russia Matters
– Russia-Ukraine War Report Card, May 27, 2026 | Russia Matters
– Russia-Ukraine War Report Card, June 3, 2026 | Russia Matters
