Russia has intensified its offensive in Ukraine by deploying upgraded FAB-3000 glide bombs capable of destroying fortified military positions on a massive scale. Originally developed during the Soviet era, these heavy bombs have been modernized with guidance systems, allowing them to strike targets from long distances while keeping Russian aircraft away from Ukrainian air defenses.
As Moscow expands its aerial campaign, the United Nations says June recorded the highest number of civilian casualties in Ukraine in more than four years. President Vladimir Putin has also warned t

Russia deploys massive FAB-3000 glide bombs as Ukraine hits Russian oil refineries

<p>Russian authorities announced that they successfully thwarted a Ukrainian drone attack aimed at Moscow on Sunday. This marks the second such occurrence within a span of two days as Kyiv continues its counteroffensive efforts. Throughout the ongoing conflict, both Russia and Ukraine have reported frequent incursions by drones. Notably, instances of drone strikes on Russian territory have been on the rise.</p>

<h2><strong>Ukrainian attempt thwarted</strong></h2>

<p>The Russian Defence Ministry issued a statement detailing the incident. "At around 4:00 a.m. (01:00 GMT), an attempt by the Kyiv regime to carry out a terrorist attack by drone on infrastructure in Moscow and the Moscow region was thwarted," the Russian Defence Ministry said in a statement.</p>

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<p>The drone, headed towards Moscow, was destroyed with the use of "electronic warfare," causing it to lose control and crash in an uninhabited area. Fortunately, there were no casualties or damages reported.</p>

<h2><strong>Flight disruptions</strong></h2>

<p>Moscow's Mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, thanked Russia's military for their prompt action.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia's aviation agency, Rosaviatsia, informed that flights to the Domodedovo and Vnukovo international airports experienced temporary limitations during the night, but operations returned to normalcy subsequently, as reported by RIA Novosti news agency.</p>

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<p>A separate Ukrainian drone attack targeted a railway station in Kursk, a city in western Russia, resulting in injuries to five individuals.&nbsp;The regional governor confirmed the incident on early Sunday. In the southern Rostov region, adjacent to Ukraine's border, Russian air defense systems intercepted two Ukrainian drones, according to the governor.</p>

<h2><strong>Escalation amidst ongoing conflict</strong></h2>

<p>This recent drone attack near Moscow follows a missile strike by Russia on the Ukrainian city of Chernihiv, causing casualties and injuries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed to respond decisively to what he labeled a "terrorist attack" by Russia, asserting that there would be a tangible response.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Canada’s British Columbia under state of emergency as Kelowna wildfire rages</strong></p>

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<p>In a statement, the United Nations' humanitarian coordinator for Ukraine condemned the Russian missile attack on Chernihiv's city centre and called it "heinous". The UN official also called for Moscow to end strikes on "populated areas".</p>

<p>"It is heinous to attack the main square of a large city, in the morning, while people are out walking, some going to church to celebrate a religious day for many Ukrainians," said Denise Brown, UN official for Ukraine, in an online statement, referring to the Orthodox holiday of the Transfiguration of the Lord.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos</strong></em></p>

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Russian authorities announced that they successfully thwarted a Ukrainian drone attack aimed at Moscow on Sunday. This marks the second such occurrence within a span of two days as Kyiv continues its counteroffensive efforts.

Russian authorities announced that they successfully thwarted a Ukrainian drone attack aimed at Moscow on Sunday. This marks the second such occurrence within a span of two days as Kyiv continues its counteroffensive efforts. Throughout the ongoing conflict, both Russia and Ukraine have reported frequent incursions by drones. Notably, instances of drone strikes on Russian territory have been on the rise. Ukrainian attempt thwarted The Russian Defence Ministry issued a statement detailing the incident. "At around 4:00 a.m. (01:00 GMT), an attempt by the Kyiv regime to carry out a terrorist attack by drone on infrastructure in Moscow and the Moscow region was thwarted," the Russian Defence Ministry said in a statement. Also Read | Canada wildfires: About 30,000 in British Columbia under evacuation order with thousands more on alert The drone, headed towards Moscow, was destroyed with the use of "electronic warfare," causing it to lose control and crash in an uninhabited area. Fortunately, there were no casualties or damages reported. Flight disruptions Moscow's Mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, thanked Russia's military for their prompt action. Russia's aviation agency, Rosaviatsia, informed that flights to the Domodedovo and Vnukovo international airports experienced temporary limitations during the night, but operations returned to normalcy subsequently, as reported by RIA Novosti news agency. Also Read | Twenty-five Chinese air force planes crossed Taiwan Strait's median line: Taipei A separate Ukrainian drone attack targeted a railway station in Kursk, a city in western Russia, resulting in injuries to five individuals. The regional governor confirmed the incident on early Sunday. In the southern Rostov region, adjacent to Ukraine's border, Russian air defense systems intercepted two Ukrainian drones, according to the governor. Escalation amidst ongoing conflict This recent drone attack near Moscow follows a missile strike by Russia on the Ukrainian city of Chernihiv, causing casualties and injuries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed to respond decisively to what he labeled a "terrorist attack" by Russia, asserting that there would be a tangible response. Watch | Canada’s British Columbia under state of emergency as Kelowna wildfire rages × In a statement, the United Nations' humanitarian coordinator for Ukraine condemned the Russian missile attack on Chernihiv's city centre and called it "heinous". The UN official also called for Moscow to end strikes on "populated areas". "It is heinous to attack the main square of a large city, in the morning, while people are out walking, some going to church to celebrate a religious day for many Ukrainians," said Denise Brown, UN official for Ukraine, in an online statement, referring to the Orthodox holiday of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Russia foils Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow amid Kyiv's counteroffensive

<p>Ukraine has dismissed media reports of launching a counteroffensive against the Russian troops on the frontlines. A&nbsp;Ukrainian armed forces general staff spokesperson, responding to such reports,&nbsp;said,&nbsp;“We have no such information”, according to Reuters news agency.</p>

<p>Several American media houses had reported that the much-talked-about counteroffensive had begun.&nbsp;NBC news had, citing a senior officer and a soldier near the front lines, reported the offensive had begun. The Washington Post cited “four individuals” in the armed forces saying the same thing.</p>

<p>This comes after Russia claimed on the same day that Ukrainian strikes killed two people at an evacuation point for civilians from the Kherson region, which was flooded after a dam in Russian-held territory was destroyed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Moscow-installed head of the Kherson region, Vladimir Saldo, said on Telegram: "Fighters from the Kyiv regime committed a heinous crime. They shelled a civilian evacuation point in Gola Prystan. Two people were killed, including a 33-year-old pregnant woman. Two more people were wounded."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Washington Post cited multiple individuals in Ukrainian armed forces to report that the troops on Wednesday night intensified their attacks on the front line in the country's southeast, as claimed by Russia as well. The report mentioned that it can be seen as a significant push toward Russian-occupied territory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report mentioned that four members of the military, including officers, spoke on the condition of anonymity as they were apparently not authorised to discuss war-related developments publicly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ABC News also reported citing two Ukrainian officials, including a source close to President Volodymry Zelensky, that an active phase of the Ukrainian counteroffensive is underway.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 8 June 2023.<br />
<br />
Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: <a href="https://t.co/Xuz1SZBZuV">https://t.co/Xuz1SZBZuV</a><br />
<br />
🇺🇦 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StandWithUkraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StandWithUkraine</a> 🇺🇦 <a href="https://t.co/abjNhlu7Xm">pic.twitter.com/abjNhlu7Xm</a></p>
— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceHQ/status/1666674733708898305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>In its Thursday update, Britain's defence ministry said that "heavy fighting continues along multiple sectors of the front" amid a highly complex operational picture unfolding.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It further mentioned that the Russian forces are likely being ordered to "return to the offensive as soon as possible". It mentioned that Chechen units have led an unsuccessful attempt to take the town of Marivka, near Donetsk city.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine's counteroffensive&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Some reports have argued that Ukraine's counteroffensive started a few days ago. The Institute for the Study of War said on Monday that Russian and Ukrainian officials are signalling the "start of the Ukrainian counteroffensive".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report by ABC News even cited unofficial pro-Ukrainian sources as saying that the southeastern front is becoming more active. It further mentioned that there are unconfirmed images and reports that Ukraine's new modern German-made Leopard 2 tanks are involved in the offensive.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Ukraine dam: Dislodged mines a major concern&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Russia repelled an offensive&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Russia said on Thursday that after a two-hour battle, it had repelled an offensive by Ukrainian forces involving 1,500 soldiers in the southern Zaporizhzhia region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said, "Today at 1:30 am (2230 GMT) in the Zaporizhzhia area... there was an attempt to break through our defences."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The enemy was stopped and retreated after heavy losses," Shoigu said, adding that the "Ukrainian forces used 150 armoured vehicles in their offensive".</p>

<p>Already this week, Russia has said it has repelled several assaults by Ukrainian forces. Ukrainian officials have said their forces were ready for a long-expected counteroffensive but that there would be no formal announcement when it begins. "Plans like silence," said Deputy Minister of Ukraine Ganna Malyar said. "The offensive will not begin on social media."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

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Ukraine has dismissed media reports of launching a counteroffensive against the Russian troops on the frontlines. A Ukrainian armed forces general staff spokesperson, responding to such reports, said, “We have no such information”, according to Reuters news agency.

Ukraine has dismissed media reports of launching a counteroffensive against the Russian troops on the frontlines. A Ukrainian armed forces general staff spokesperson, responding to such reports, said, “We have no such information”, according to Reuters news agency. Several American media houses had reported that the much-talked-about counteroffensive had begun. NBC news had, citing a senior officer and a soldier near the front lines, reported the offensive had begun. The Washington Post cited “four individuals” in the armed forces saying the same thing. This comes after Russia claimed on the same day that Ukrainian strikes killed two people at an evacuation point for civilians from the Kherson region, which was flooded after a dam in Russian-held territory was destroyed. The Moscow-installed head of the Kherson region, Vladimir Saldo, said on Telegram: "Fighters from the Kyiv regime committed a heinous crime. They shelled a civilian evacuation point in Gola Prystan. Two people were killed, including a 33-year-old pregnant woman. Two more people were wounded." The Washington Post cited multiple individuals in Ukrainian armed forces to report that the troops on Wednesday night intensified their attacks on the front line in the country's southeast, as claimed by Russia as well. The report mentioned that it can be seen as a significant push toward Russian-occupied territory. The report mentioned that four members of the military, including officers, spoke on the condition of anonymity as they were apparently not authorised to discuss war-related developments publicly. ABC News also reported citing two Ukrainian officials, including a source close to President Volodymry Zelensky, that an active phase of the Ukrainian counteroffensive is underway. Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 8 June 2023. Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/Xuz1SZBZuV 🇺🇦 #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/abjNhlu7Xm — Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) June 8, 2023 × In its Thursday update, Britain's defence ministry said that "heavy fighting continues along multiple sectors of the front" amid a highly complex operational picture unfolding. It further mentioned that the Russian forces are likely being ordered to "return to the offensive as soon as possible". It mentioned that Chechen units have led an unsuccessful attempt to take the town of Marivka, near Donetsk city. Ukraine's counteroffensive Some reports have argued that Ukraine's counteroffensive started a few days ago. The Institute for the Study of War said on Monday that Russian and Ukrainian officials are signalling the "start of the Ukrainian counteroffensive". The report by ABC News even cited unofficial pro-Ukrainian sources as saying that the southeastern front is becoming more active. It further mentioned that there are unconfirmed images and reports that Ukraine's new modern German-made Leopard 2 tanks are involved in the offensive. Watch: Ukraine dam: Dislodged mines a major concern × Russia repelled an offensive Russia said on Thursday that after a two-hour battle, it had repelled an offensive by Ukrainian forces involving 1,500 soldiers in the southern Zaporizhzhia region. Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said, "Today at 1:30 am (2230 GMT) in the Zaporizhzhia area... there was an attempt to break through our defences." "The enemy was stopped and retreated after heavy losses," Shoigu said, adding that the "Ukrainian forces used 150 armoured vehicles in their offensive". Already this week, Russia has said it has repelled several assaults by Ukrainian forces. Ukrainian officials have said their forces were ready for a long-expected counteroffensive but that there would be no formal announcement when it begins. "Plans like silence," said Deputy Minister of Ukraine Ganna Malyar said. "The offensive will not begin on social media." Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine dismisses reports of counteroffensive in Russian-held regions