- Russia launches 550 drones and missiles, hitting Kyiv in its largest aerial assault of the war.
- 23 people injured; schools, infrastructure, and diplomatic sites damaged.
- Attack follows Trump-Putin call; Ukraine urges global allies for stronger support.
Kyiv experienced one of its most devastating nights as Russia launched an unprecedented 550 drones and 11 missiles across Ukraine, marking the largest aerial offensive since the war began.
The strikes followed a conversation between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, after which Trump expressed frustration over Putin’s unwillingness to end the war.
Relentless Skyfire: Kyiv Suffers Heaviest Russian Attack as Diplomatic Hopes Dwindle
The scale and precision of the attack underscore Russia’s strategy of psychological warfare, targeting civilians and vital infrastructure to pressure Ukraine and its allies. The widespread damage across nearly every district of Kyiv highlights vulnerabilities in even the most well-defended urban zones. Poland’s foreign ministry confirmed damage to its consulate, raising concerns over the safety of diplomatic missions.
Beyond the capital, regions including Sumy, Kharkiv, Chernihiv, and Dnipropetrovsk also endured missile and drone strikes, pushing Ukraine’s emergency services to their limits. Air defenses intercepted the majority of drones, but the sheer volume overwhelmed available systems. The Ukrainian military called the barrage a clear escalation and an attempt to test and wear down its capabilities.
Russia’s defense ministry justified the attack by claiming retaliation for so-called “terrorist acts” by Ukraine. However, observers see the move as a defiant signal to the international community ahead of key diplomatic meetings. Notably, Moscow appears unbothered by increasing Western criticism, suggesting that any peace talks will be accompanied by continued force.
The upcoming summit between President Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer aims to consolidate European support for Ukraine’s military resilience. Meanwhile, Germany prepares for a July 18 summit on asylum and migration—but Ukraine’s worsening crisis may shift the focus. In tandem, the scheduled Trump-Zelenskyy phone call will be watched closely, as both leaders weigh options amidst intensifying battlefield conditions.
As Ukraine reels from its worst aerial attack yet, the world faces a defining moment: whether to intensify support against unchecked aggression or risk normalizing escalating violence.
“The hottest places in hell are reserved for those who, in times of great moral crisis, maintain their neutrality.” — Dante Alighieri
