Russia’s drone attacks on Ukraine have reached a record high, with the country launching more than 6,000 drones in July, according to reports from AFP news agency and the Kyiv Independent. This marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with the drone attacks killing dozens of people and injuring many more. The attacks also damaged civilian targets, including homes, a kindergarten, and an ambulance.
The Ukrainian air force reported that Russia fired 6,297 long-range drones into Ukraine last month, a nearly 16% increase compared to June. The Kyiv Independent reported that Russia launched a record 6,129 Shahed-type drones in July, 14 times more than in the same month last year, when Russia launched just 423 drones. Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat noted that the real number of Russian drone attacks may be higher since figures are based on estimates.
The consequences of these attacks have been devastating. On July 9, Russian forces launched a record 741 drones and decoys on Western Ukraine, resulting in at least eight deaths in Ukraine’s Sumy, Donetsk, and Kherson regions. Ukrainian forces managed to shoot down all but 10 of the drones launched that day. The attack came a day after United States President Donald Trump announced that his administration would help send Ukraine more “defensive weapons”, just days after the Pentagon said it was halting deliveries of some weapons to Ukraine due to low stockpiles.
Trump emphasized the need for Ukraine to defend itself, saying, “They have to be able to defend themselves… They are getting hit very hard now.” He also announced that European allies would finance Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine from the US weapons company Raytheon.
Russia’s heavy drone and missile attacks continued until the end of July, with an attack on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, on July 31 killing at least 31 people, including five children, and wounding 159 others. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russia used more than 300 drones and eight missiles in the attack. According to AFP, Russia also fired 198 missiles into Ukraine in July, more than in any month this year except June.
The international community has condemned Russia’s actions, with Trump describing them as “disgusting” and Zelenskyy calling for “regime change” in Moscow. The conflict continues, with both sides suffering significant losses and civilians bearing the brunt of the violence.
