Russia launched a significant attack on Ukraine overnight into Saturday, employing hundreds of drones and resulting in at least one death. This strike is part of a renewed bombing campaign that has thwarted hopes for any progress towards resolving the ongoing conflict, now in its third year. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russia unleashed over 300 drones and more than 30 cruise missiles during this assault.
One fatality was confirmed in the Black Sea port city of Odesa, where Russian forces targeted the area with over 20 drones and one missile, according to the city's mayor, Hennadii Trukhanov. Five individuals were rescued from a residential high-rise building that caught fire as a result of the attack. Additionally, Zelenskyy indicated that six others were injured, including a child, and that critical infrastructure suffered damage in Ukraine's northeastern Sumy region.
In his messages, President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to international leaders who recognize the urgency of implementing agreements aimed at enhancing Ukraine's defense capabilities. These agreements encompass joint weapons production, drone manufacturing, and the provision of air defense systems.
Russia has increasingly intensified its long-range strikes against Ukrainian cities, carrying out more drone attacks in a single night than it did in some entire months in 2024. Analysts predict that these barrages are likely to escalate further. A notable instance occurred on July 8, when Russia launched over 700 drones, marking a new record for their offensive operations.
As part of its defense efforts, Russia's Defense Ministry claimed to have shot down 71 Ukrainian drones overnight into Saturday. Furthermore, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin stated that 13 drones were intercepted as they approached the capital city of Moscow.
This recent surge in hostilities exemplifies the ongoing volatility of the conflict, with both sides engaged in relentless aerial assaults. The implications of this crisis continue to resonate across the region, drawing attention from international observers and leaders alike.
