Ukraine’s air force announced on Wednesday that it successfully repelled one of the largest aerial assaults from Russia in recent months, downing 89 drones and one missile. The attack primarily targeted the central region of Kyiv, with over 40 drones intercepted above the capital and its outskirts.
Despite some damage to buildings from falling debris, no casualties were reported. Kyiv’s military administration stated that air raid alerts were in effect for much of central and eastern Ukraine as the drones came in multiple waves. More than 11,500 residents sought shelter in metro stations during the assault.
This marks the seventh drone attack against Kyiv in July alone. Russian forces routinely launch aerial strikes against Ukraine, claiming to target military and energy facilities, while Ukraine accuses them of deliberately targeting civilians—a claim Moscow denies.
In a related development, Russia’s Ministry of Defence announced the initiation of the third stage of drills to practice the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons, amidst rising tensions in the region. Moscow asserts that the West, particularly the U.S. and its European allies, is escalating the situation by supplying Ukraine with significant military aid.
Additionally, Ukraine’s military reported a successful strike on a weapons storage facility in Russia’s Kursk region, where Russian air defenses claimed to have intercepted four Ukrainian missiles. The conflict continues to escalate as both sides engage in mutual strikes amid a backdrop of ongoing military drills and heightened rhetoric.