Russia has intensified its bombing campaign against Ukraine, launching hundreds of drones and dashing hopes for a swift resolution to the conflict. At least one person has been killed in the attacks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russia launched over 300 drones and more than 30 cruise missiles overnight into Saturday.
The Black Sea port city of Odesa was heavily targeted, with Russian forces deploying over 20 drones and a missile, resulting in one fatality, according to Mayor Hennadii Trukhanov. A fire erupted in a residential high-rise, prompting the rescue of five individuals.
President Zelenskyy stated that six other people, including a child, were injured in the Odesa attack. Critical infrastructure in the north-eastern Sumy region also sustained damage.
Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to international leaders “who understand how important it is to promptly implement our agreements” designed to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses, encompassing collaborative weapons production, drone manufacturing, and the procurement of air defense systems.
Moscow has been increasing its long-range attacks on Ukrainian urban centers, frequently overwhelming Ukraine with more drones in a single night than in entire months of 2024. Analysts predict a further escalation of these attacks.
Notably, on July 8, Russia launched over 700 drones, marking a record number.
Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed to have intercepted 71 Ukrainian drones overnight into Saturday. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported that 13 drones were shot down approaching the Russian capital.
