Russian drone attacks on Zaporizhzhia injure seven civilians amid escalating strikes

Russian forces launched another series of drone attacks on the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia on Saturday, June 6, 2026, injuring seven civilians including a minor. The attacks targeted residential buildings and civilian infrastructure in the strategically important southeastern Ukrainian city.

According to Ukrainian authorities, Russian forces employed FPV (First Person View) drones in the attacks, which are particularly difficult to jam. Military spokesman Voloshyn explained that the attackers may be using LTE modems to control the drones, making them more resistant to electronic warfare countermeasures. This technology represents a new development in drone warfare tactics.

Particularly concerning is the tactic whereby a Russian Shahed-type drone served as a carrier platform, transporting FPV drones into central Zaporizhzhia where they were randomly dropped onto civilian targets. This method allows smaller attack drones to penetrate deep into urban areas and target residential neighborhoods.

The attacks on Zaporizhzhia are part of a series of Russian drone strikes on Ukrainian cities. In the Mykolaiv region, four people were injured in an FPV drone attack on the Horokhiv community. In the Odesa region, Russian drones damaged residential buildings and critical infrastructure. A thermal power plant operated by energy company DTEK was also attacked.

Simultaneously with the Russian attacks, Ukraine launched retaliatory strikes against Russian territory. Ukrainian drones targeted locations in the St. Petersburg region, including an oil refinery and naval base. These attacks occurred during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, known as "Russia's Davos," which President Putin was attending.

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe's largest atomic facility and under Russian control since 2022, reported the restoration of its power supply. The Russian-installed administration announced that the Ferrosplavnaya-1 power line supplying electricity to the plant had been restored to operation.

The escalating drone attacks by both sides mark a new phase of the conflict, with civilian targets and urban areas increasingly coming under fire. The use of advanced drone technology and new tactics such as transporting smaller drones via larger carrier platforms demonstrates the technological evolution of warfare.

The international community is watching these developments with concern, as attacks on civilian infrastructure and residential areas may constitute violations of international law. The situation in Zaporizhzhia is particularly sensitive given the presence of Europe's largest nuclear power plant, whose safety could be compromised by ongoing hostilities.

Reports indicate that Putin refused an offer to meet with Ukrainian President Zelensky, further complicating diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. The continuing attacks on both sides make a near-term de-escalation appear unlikely.

The pattern of attacks extends beyond Zaporizhzhia, with Russian forces also striking a Nova Post terminal in Dnipro and a gas station in Zaporizhzhia on previous days, indicating a sustained campaign against civilian and commercial infrastructure. The use of drones for hours-long attacks on residential areas represents a significant escalation in tactics targeting civilian populations.

Military analysts note that the employment of LTE-controlled drones represents an adaptation to Ukrainian electronic warfare capabilities, suggesting an ongoing technological arms race in unmanned systems. The random dropping of FPV drones from carrier platforms into city centers marks a particularly concerning development in urban warfare tactics.