Russia launched a record 728 Shahed and decoy drones, plus 13 missiles, at Ukraine overnight, marking the latest escalation in the over three-year war. Lutsk, a crucial logistical hub near the Polish and Belarusian borders, was hardest hit, though 10 other regions were also struck. This massive assault, which overwhelmed Ukrainian air defenses, follows US President Donald Trump's recent criticism of Vladimir Putin and a reversal of a US weapons delivery pause. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged stricter sanctions on Russian oil and called for partners to act for peace, while Poland scrambled fighter jets in response.
Russia launches another record drone attack at Ukraine
World
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Russia launched a record 728 Shahed and decoy drones, plus 13 missiles, at Ukraine overnight, marking the latest escalation in the over three-year war. Lutsk, a crucial logistical hub near the Polish and Belarusian borders, was hardest hit, though 10 other regions were also struck. This massive assault, which overwhelmed Ukrainian air defenses, follows US President Donald Trump's recent criticism of Vladimir Putin and a reversal of a US weapons delivery pause. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged stricter sanctions on Russian oil and called for partners to act for peace, while Poland scrambled fighter jets in response.
Trending- 1 February 2022: Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began.
- 2 Less than a week before July 4-5: Previous largest Russian aerial assault.
- 3 Late July 4 into July 5 (2025): Russia launched its previous largest aerial assault.
- 4 Tuesday (implied July 8, 2025): US President Donald Trump said he's 'not happy' with Putin and that the U.S. would send more weapons to Ukraine. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned about Russia's security threat.
- 5 Overnight Tuesday into Wednesday (implied July 8-9, 2025): Russia fired a record 728 Shahed and decoy drones and 13 missiles at Ukraine. Russia's Defence Ministry said air defences downed 86 Ukrainian drones over six Russian regions. Ukrainian drone attack on Kursk killed three and wounded seven.
- 6 Wednesday (implied July 9, 2025): Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to meet Pope Leo XIV in Italy.
- Record aerial attack on Ukraine
- Disruption of supply corridors
- Overwhelmed Ukrainian air defenses
- Two people wounded in Kyiv region
- Three killed and seven wounded in Kursk (Russia)
- Flights suspended at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport and Kaluga international airport
- Poland on highest level of alert
- Warnings about Russia's credible security threat to the European Union
What: Russia launched a record aerial attack on Ukraine with 728 drones and 13 missiles, targeting cities and logistical hubs, following US President Trump's criticism of Vladimir Putin and a reversal of US military aid suspension.
When: Overnight (Tuesday into Wednesday, implied July 8-9, 2025); war is over three years old (started February 2022); previous largest assault late July 4 into July 5; Trump's statements on Tuesday; Zelensky to meet Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday.
Where: Ukraine (Lutsk, 10 other regions, Kyiv region, western regions, eastern Ukraine), Russia (six Russian regions, Moscow region, Kaluga, Kursk border region, Kursk capital city), Poland, Belarus, United States, Italy.
Why: Russia aims to disrupt supply corridors for foreign military aid, overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses, and advance its summer offensive. Zelensky believes Russia is 'making a point' due to floundering US-led peace efforts.
How: Russia used a large number of Shahed and decoy drones and missiles. Ukraine's air defenses shot down 296 drones and seven missiles, with 415 more lost or jammed. Poland scrambled fighter jets and put its armed forces on highest alert. Ukrainian interceptor drones are being scaled up.