Russia resumes offensive against Ukraine, utilizing combat drones
In a series of escalating events, Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, faced a barrage of air defence fire during the evening and night, as Russia launched an attack using dozens of combat drones. This was part of a larger offensive that also targeted the city of Kupiansk, resulting in two injuries.
President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Russia used 550 drones, missiles, and cruise missiles in attacks against Kyiv, causing about two dozen injuries. In response, Ukraine successfully used interception drones to defend against the Russian attack on Kyiv, shooting down dozens of Russian Shaheds. However, the limited success against advanced Russian missile strikes was evident, as only one out of seven Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles was intercepted in a major strike wave in late June 2025.
Ukraine's air defense systems remain critical but challenged in defending against intensified Russian missile and drone strikes. The US Patriot air defense systems are particularly vital for Ukraine's ability to intercept Russian ballistic missile attacks, which have notably increased in scale and frequency. Ukraine's leadership, including President Zelensky, has repeatedly emphasized the urgent need to strengthen air defenses and expressed readiness to purchase more US systems like the Patriot.
Despite the urgency, there has been some withholding of certain US air defense missiles, including Patriot munitions, due to concerns over US stock levels and geopolitical considerations. This delay affects the pace at which Ukraine can further enhance its capabilities, though Patriot systems remain a centerpiece of Ukraine's air defense strategy.
In a bid to bolster its defenses, President Zelensky ordered the production of more interception drones and the training of drone pilots for their use. He also called on the West to help strengthen Ukraine's air defense. Many people sought shelter in subway stations and other protective spaces due to repeated air alerts in many parts of the country.
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe's largest nuclear facility and under Russian control since March 2022, briefly lost power for three and a half hours. This was the ninth such incident at the plant during the Ukraine war and the first since late 2023. The IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi wrote that the power outage underscored the precarious security situation. The IAEA has been permanently present at the plant since September 2022, playing a central role in protecting and monitoring its status and safety.
In addition, the IAEA regularly sends expert teams to active reactor sites in Rivne and Khmelnytskyi in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukraine reported attacking targets in Russia, with enemy drones intercepted in the Russian regions of Rostov and Smolensk. One person was reported to have been pulled from the rubble in the aftermath of these attacks.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba described the night as one of the worst since the start of the war more than three years ago. As the conflict continues, Ukraine's air defense posture remains actively reliant on current US Patriot systems, with ongoing efforts to augment and replenish these capabilities amid escalating Russian missile strikes and partial delays in new missile deliveries.
- President Zelensky, in recognition of the escalating Russian missile and drone attacks, has emphasized the need to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses and has ordered the production of more interception drones for their use.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, many people have sought shelter in subway stations and other protective spaces due to repeated air alerts in many parts of Ukraine.
- Amidst the ongoing war, Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, has faced attacks involving CBD (combat drones and ballistic missiles) from Russia, resulting in injuries and the need for enhanced air defense capabilities.
- The urgency to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses is evidenced by the repeated calls from Ukraine's leadership to the West, emphasizing the need for additional systems like the Patriot.
- The general news of the Ukraine war also includes incidents of crime and justice, such as potential war crimes, as reported incidents of enemy drones being intercepted in Russian regions have resulted in casualties.
