Ukraine launches 600 drones at Russia, one of its largest aerial attacks of the war
Ukraine launched its largest drone attack of 2026, deploying 600 drones overnight to target Russian infrastructure. The operation hit a Wildberries distribution center, Russia's largest online marketplace, leaving seven people dead. Kyiv also targeted a space and rocket facility in Samara used for military satellite launches and a Russian satellite network. These strikes coincide with a missile barrage against Kyiv and a state of emergency declared in a city following attacks on Russia's Black Sea fleet.
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- ✓ Ukraine launched 600 drones in an overnight attack on Russia.
- ✓ Seven people died after Ukraine attacked a Wildberries distribution hub.
- ✓ President Zelenskyy stated Ukraine struck a Russian space facility in Samara.
- ✓ OSINT analysts reported damage to a Samara plant used for military satellite launch rockets.
What changed
Ukraine deployed 600 drones in a massive aerial operation targeting the Wildberries retail hub and Samara space facilities.
Live updates
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Ukraine Launches Largest 2026 Drone Attack with 600 Aircraft
Ukraine launched its largest drone attack of 2026, deploying 600 drones overnight to target Russian infrastructure. The operation hit a Wildberries distribution center, Russia's largest online marketplace, leaving seven people dead. Kyiv also targeted a space and rocket facility in Samara used for military satellite launches and a Russian satellite network. These strikes coincide with a missile barrage against Kyiv and a state of emergency declared in a city following attacks on Russia's Black Sea fleet.
Why it matters
Kyiv is ramping up long-range strikes to degrade Russia's military capabilities and economic morale. Targeting the space sector and logistics hubs aims to disrupt satellite communications and domestic commerce.
What is confirmed
- Ukraine launched 600 drones in an overnight attack on Russia.
- Seven people died after Ukraine attacked a Wildberries distribution hub.
- President Zelenskyy stated Ukraine struck a Russian space facility in Samara.
- OSINT analysts reported damage to a Samara plant used for military satellite launch rockets.
- Wildberries is Russia's largest online market.
Still unconfirmed
- Ukraine hit a Russian Starlink-style network.
- Moscow is tracking an arms package.
- A drone was downed in Romania.
What to watch next
- Russian official confirmation of damage to the Samara rocket factory
- Further missile responses from Russia against Ukrainian cities
- Evidence of disrupted military satellite launches from Samara
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (14)
- Sky News — Ukraine war latest: City declares state of emergency after Ukraine targets Russia's Black Sea fleet
- Euronews.com — Ukraine says it has struck Russian rocket and space centre
- nbcnews.com — Ukraine attacks Russia’s Samara industrial site as Kyiv ramps up long-range strikes
- Bloomberg.com — Zelenskyy Says Ukraine Strikes Russian Space Facility in Samara
- Al Jazeera — Ukraine hits Russian Starlink-style network, Moscow tracks arms package
- Українська правда — OSINT analysts show damage to plant in Russia's Samara where rockets for military satellite launches are equi
- The Guardian — Ukraine war briefing: Kyiv faces missile barrage after Zelenskyy targets Russian satellite network
- Bloomberg.com — Wildberries Depot Ablaze Near Moscow as Drone Downed in Romania
- France 24 — Live: Moscow targeted by 600 drones overnight, explosions heard in Kyiv
- dw.com — Ukraine attacks Wildberries, Russia's biggest online market
- Ars Technica — Ukraine strikes major Russian rocket factory with cruise missiles
- Institute for the Study of War — Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, August 16, 2026
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