Escalation of Attacks on Ukraine
Russia has launched a massive wave of attacks against various cities in Ukraine, using over 300 drones and more than 30 missiles during the night into Saturday morning. The assault resulted in at least one death and several injuries, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy reported that rescue operations are currently underway following the attack. The affected regions include Donetsk, Kirovohrad, Dnipro, Sumy, Kherson, Volyn, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv, Odesa, and Zhytomyr. These areas have experienced significant damage due to the coordinated strikes.
In the Black Sea port city of Odesa, the mayor, Hennadii Trukhanov, confirmed that 20 drones and a missile targeted the city. The attack led to a fire in an apartment block, where five people were rescued from their burning homes. One woman was found dead after being rescued, while at least six others, including a child, were injured.
In Sumy, critical infrastructure was damaged, and thousands of families lost electricity, as reported by Zelenskyy. The situation is particularly dire in Pavlohrad, where Russia launched a large-scale drone attack, causing damage to critical infrastructure and a residential building. According to the head of the Dnipro regional military administration, this was the largest attack on the city since the full-scale invasion began.
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to international leaders who support Ukraine’s defense efforts. He highlighted the importance of implementing agreements aimed at enhancing Ukraine’s defense capabilities, such as joint weapons production, investment in drone manufacturing, and the supply of air defense systems.
Recent weeks have seen a sharp increase in long-range attacks by Russia on Ukraine. Analysts warn that these attacks may continue to escalate. On 8 July, Russia fired a record-breaking number of more than 741 drones and missiles, marking a significant shift in the conflict’s intensity.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry stated that it successfully shot down 71 Ukrainian drones overnight. Of these, 13 drones were intercepted as they approached Moscow, according to the city’s mayor, Sergei Sobyanin.
The ongoing attacks highlight the growing threat faced by Ukrainian cities and the urgent need for international support. As the conflict continues, the situation remains volatile, with both sides engaged in a relentless cycle of aggression and defense. The impact on civilians and infrastructure underscores the human cost of the war, which shows no signs of abating.
