During the night of June 19–20, Russia launched a mass drone attack across Ukraine, deploying 86 Shahed attack drones and a similar number of decoys. The waves targeted Ukrainian cities from launch sites in Russia—including Millerovo, Kursk, Orel, Bryansk, Primorsko-Akhtarsk—and from Russian-occupied Crimea in Chauda. Ukraine’s air defenses, including aviation units, surface-to-air missile forces, electronic warfare systems, counter-drone defenses, and mobile fire teams, successfully intercepted and neutralized 70 enemy drones by 8 a.m., comprising 34 destroyed by force and 36 disrupted via electronic warfare.
Eight populated areas across Ukraine suffered direct drone strikes, and another 11 reported falling debris. However, the most significant damage occurred in Odesa and Kharkiv, where drones struck civilian infrastructure and residential buildings, resulting in multiple injuries among noncombatants.
In Odesa, local officials reported 1 person killed and 14 injured, including three rescuers. More than ten residential buildings were directly struck, triggering large-scale fires. One four-story apartment block partially collapsed, with significant damage to six others and three civilian vehicles. First responders evacuated six residents, and three individuals—including two children—were rescued from under the rubble. During rescue operations, a structural collapse injured three firefighters, all of whom are now in stable condition. Fire also spread to the upper floors (18–20) of a 23-story high-rise, prompting the evacuation of 600 people. A blocked apartment was accessed, and three people, including two young children, were rescued.
The drone barrage damaged the Odesa railway station; Ukraine’s rail authority reported disruptions to the overhead power lines and track structure. No casualties were reported at the station, and train services have resumed on schedule.
Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, was struck by Geran-2 (Shahed-136) drones, with impact zones in the Shevchenkivsky and Osnovyansky districts. Residential apartment buildings, a civilian business, a sports complex, and a children’s daycare were hit. Preliminary reports indicate four civilians sought medical attention, including two female minors aged 12 and 17. Fires were reported at four locations: a 1,000 m² roof of an unfinished six-story building, a 10 m² utility structure, and three warehouse hangars at an industrial site totaling 1,500 m². Emergency teams, including firefighters, police, medical personnel, utility crews, and psychologists, responded to the scene.
Ukraine’s air defense and electronic warfare forces continue to intercept drone threats, but Russia’s drone campaign remains sustained. Civilian rescue and firefighting efforts press ahead, with local authorities documenting the aftermath and attending to victims.
