By Kogi News Tribune | July 9, 2025
Kyiv, Ukraine — Russia has launched its most extensive aerial assault against Ukraine since the start of the war, firing a record 741 drones and missiles overnight, Ukrainian authorities confirmed on Tuesday.
According to Ukraine’s Air Force, the unprecedented attack consisted of 728 Iranian-made Shahed-type drones, seven Iskander cruise missiles, and six high-speed Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles. The primary target was the western Ukrainian city of Lutsk, situated less than 100 kilometres from the Polish border.
In response to the threat, the Polish Air Force scrambled fighter jets to protect Polish airspace, underscoring the regional volatility of the escalating conflict.
Ukraine’s air defence forces reported shooting down 296 of the Shahed drones, while electronic warfare systems successfully jammed 415. All seven Iskander cruise missiles were also intercepted. However, all six Kinzhal missiles evaded interception, highlighting Ukraine’s vulnerability due to a critical shortage of U.S.-supplied Patriot missile systems and interceptors.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the assault as a blatant rejection of ongoing international peace efforts.
“This attack comes at a moment when the world is striving for peace and ceasefire agreements,” Zelenskyy said in a statement. “Russia has shown once again that it has no intention of stopping. This is further evidence of the need for tough sanctions—especially on Russian oil, which continues to bankroll this war.”
The Ukrainian leader reiterated calls for international allies to bolster the country’s air defence, particularly with additional Patriot missile systems.
In a shift of stance, U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly resumed halted military aid to Ukraine earlier this month, pledging to send ten Patriot interceptors. Media sources indicate that Trump has also encouraged Germany to transfer one of its Patriot batteries to Ukraine, with the U.S. and European partners potentially sharing the financial cost.
Despite mounting international pressure, Russia has remained defiant, continuing to escalate hostilities even as diplomatic channels work toward a resolution.
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