Ukraine Strikes Kill 11 and Injure 91 Across Multiple Oblasts
Russian attacks across Ukraine killed at least 11 civilians and injured at least 91 others over the past day, with strikes including 105 Shahed-type drones and four ballistic missiles, 96 of which were downed by Ukrainian air defenses. Ukraine strikes produced these casualties as regional authorities reported the figures early on June 21.
Overview of Russian Attacks
Russian attacks across Ukraine killed at least 11 civilians and injured at least 91 others over the past day, regional authorities reported early on June 21. [3] Russia launched 105 long-range kamikaze Shahed-type drones and four ballistic missiles overnight, the Ukrainian Air Force said, adding that Ukraine downed 96 of the drones. [3] Ballistic missiles and six attack drones struck six locations. [3] The overall toll reflects coordinated strikes that hit residential areas, infrastructure, and civilian sites in multiple regions.
Strikes in Zaporizhzhia and Poltava Oblasts
Five people were killed and 13 injured in Zaporizhzhia Oblast over the last day, according to local authorities, after Russia launched nine glide bombs at the capital. [3] The attack damaged multistory residential buildings and an equestrian sports club. [3] In a Russian missile attack on Poltava, two people were killed and 14 injured, including six children, Ukraine's State Emergency Service said on June 21. [3] These incidents accounted for a significant share of the daily casualties from the Ukraine strikes.
Three civilians were injured and one killed in a Russian strike in Kharkiv Oblast. — Source: ukrainskapravda
Impacts on Northern and Eastern Oblasts
In Sumy Oblast, one person was killed and 19 injured by Russian strikes. [3] A drone attack killed a 54-year-old woman, and the injured included a three-year-old girl. [3] Russia attacked Dnipropetrovsk Oblast with drones, artillery and glide bombs, killing one person and injuring 18 others. [3] The attacks damaged a school, homes, and a pharmacy, Governor Oleksandr Hanzha reported on June 21. [3] One person was killed and 13 others injured, including four children, after Russia struck Kharkiv Oblast with drones, Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported on June 21. [3] Three people were injured in a Russian attack on the city of Sloviansk in Donetsk Oblast on the morning of 21 June. [4] Vadym Liakh, Head of Donetsk Oblast Military Administration, said the Russians had attacked a residential district with multiple-launch rocket systems, damaging apartment blocks. [4] Three people are known to have been injured, including an 89-year-old woman who has been taken to hospital. [4] Two people were injured due to Russian strikes in partly occupied Donetsk Oblast, local authorities reported on June 21. [3]
Southern Frontline Attacks
Russian drone and artillery attacks killed one person and injured nine others in the southern front-line Kherson Oblast, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said on June 21. [3] Three people were injured after a Russian drone strike in Mykolaiv Oblast, Governor Vitalii Kim said on June 21. [3] The strike also damaged a bakery, two cars, and a truck. [3] In the south of Odesa Oblast near the port city of Izmail, a Russian strike damaged housing, according to Governor Oleh Kiper. [3] No injuries were reported in that incident. [3]
Russian strikes killed 11 civilians and injured 91 across Ukraine in the past day. — Source: kyivindependent
Civilian Incidents in Kharkiv Oblast
Three civilians were injured when an unknown device exploded in the Bohodukhiv district in Kharkiv Oblast on Sunday. [2] One person has been killed. [2] The State Emergency Service in Kharkiv Oblast stated that near the village of Klynova-Novoselivka in the Zolochiv hromada in the Bohodukhiv district, three civilians who were walking along a road near a bus stop were injured when an unidentified device exploded. [2] Sadly, one person was killed and two others were injured. [2] The State Emergency Service has reminded residents that areas which have come under bombardment or lie within a combat zone remain extremely dangerous. [2] They recommend using only verified routes, avoiding road edges and not touching any suspicious objects. [2] If a hazardous item is found, people should immediately call the emergency numbers 101, 102 or 112. [2]
Russian Use of Glide Bombs
Lực lượng Hàng không Vũ trụ Nga ngày 20/6 were reported to have deployed long-range Su-34 fighter-bombers to attack Ukrainian UAV command centers. [5] Images recorded by Russian reconnaissance UAVs showed targets destroyed. [5] The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that Su-34 pilots used FAB-500 aerial bombs to hit UAV control centers of two Ukrainian National Guard brigades in the residential areas of Dobropolye and Kucherov Yar in Donetsk. [5] In addition, three FAB-1500 bombs equipped with correction and guidance modules were used to strike the temporary deployment site of Ukraine's 81st Airborne Brigade in the village of Nikolayevka, Donetsk. [5] Su-34 aircraft currently handle most of Russia's air strike missions in the conflict. [5] Their ability to carry large weapon loads, strong electronic warfare systems, and reduced forward radar cross-section make the type particularly suitable for deep strikes. [5] Observers note that Russia is prioritizing strikes on UAV control centers because this approach is more effective than attempting to intercept large numbers of drones operating on the battlefield. [5] Since October 2025, Su-34 units have reportedly begun using a new type of ultra-long-range glide bomb, viewed as an important turning point allowing Russian aviation to conduct large-scale, low-cost attacks on targets deep behind Ukrainian lines. [5] Vadim Skibitsky, Deputy Head of Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence, previously acknowledged that this new weapon has demonstrated a range of up to approximately 193 km and warned it could significantly change the battlefield situation. [5] Earlier glide bombs widely used by Russia since 2023 typically reached ranges of about 80 km or less. [5] The development of glide bombs is considered a key factor helping Russia both reduce risks to launch aircraft and significantly cut costs compared with using modern missiles. [5] While achieving ranges comparable to many modern missiles, the cost of glide bombs is only a fraction. [5] Many Ukrainian soldiers at the front line have described glide bomb strikes as one of the most frightening threats they face. [5] They noted that bombs carrying up to 500 kg of explosives can completely destroy fortified underground shelters. [5] One Ukrainian serviceman described the feeling of being under these attacks as like “the gates of hell opening,” and added that Russian aircraft often drop bombs in succession. [5] They drop bombs in pairs, then pairs again, up to eight in an hour, with sound like a jet diving straight at your head. [5] Reports indicate that glide bomb strikes have contributed significantly to very high casualties among Ukrainian forces in some frontline areas. [5] In some cases, loss rates in combat units are reported to reach 80-90%. [5]
What to watch next: The State Emergency Service continues to warn that areas under bombardment or in combat zones remain extremely dangerous, advising residents to use only verified routes and avoid suspicious objects while calling 101, 102 or 112 if any are found.
