Russia, Ukraine Trade 166-Drone Barrages as Zelenskyy Pushes New Talks via Abramovich
Updated
Updated · abcnews.com · Jun 9
Russia, Ukraine Trade 166-Drone Barrages as Zelenskyy Pushes New Talks via Abramovich
3 articles · Updated · abcnews.com · Jun 9
Summary
Three people were killed in Ukraine overnight after Russia launched at least 166 drones, with Kharkiv region hit hardest and 15 others injured, Ukrainian officials said.
Ukraine's air force said it destroyed 146 drones, while Russia said its defenses downed at least 140 Ukrainian drones and Moscow intercepted 11 near the capital.
Kharkiv strikes damaged homes, a church and other civilian sites, and Ukraine said Russian forces also targeted emergency responders in Dnipro after an earlier blaze was extinguished.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Roman Abramovich visited Kyiv in May with a possible framework for negotiations, and repeated that Ukraine has been ready to pursue diplomacy from the start.
The exchange underscored the gap between battlefield escalation and tentative political outreach after Zelenskyy publicly sought a meeting with Vladimir Putin and Putin said he wanted a peaceful end without committing to talks.
Who is winning the drone arms race: Russia's mass attacks or Ukraine's innovative interceptors?
Can Ukraine's deep strikes on Russian oil refineries decisively alter the war's outcome?
2026 Russian Drone War in Ukraine: Civilian Casualties, Defense Shortfalls, and Europe’s Strategic Dilemma
Overview
On June 9, 2026, Russian forces launched attacks on settlements near the Ukrainian border, especially in Sumy Oblast, causing civilian casualties and damaging homes, vehicles, and infrastructure. These strikes occurred as diplomatic efforts stalled, with United States-led peace talks faltering due to shifting global priorities. The ongoing hostilities highlight the severe impact on civilians and the challenges Ukraine faces in defending its territory while seeking international support. This situation underscores the urgent need for effective defense and renewed diplomatic engagement to protect civilians and restore stability in the region.