Russia has launched one of the most massive strikes on the territory of Ukraine in its entire history

 On July 9, 2025, Russia launched one of the most massive strikes on the territory of Ukraine during the entire time of the special military operation. According to Ukrainian intelligence, about 741 missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles were used during this attack, which became a new absolute record for the number of air attack weapons used by Russia.

This number is significantly higher than the previous peak — almost 200 units more than in previous major airstrikes. However, the effectiveness of the Ukrainian air defense on this day dropped to 41.6%, which is an absolute anti-record since the beginning of the war. Previously, this indicator did not fall below 46%.

The attack covered a wide range of targets, including standard infrastructure facilities such as the airfield in Starokonstantinov, as well as a number of regions throughout Ukraine. The main direction of the strike fell on Lutsk and its surroundings, where, according to reports from the scene, military production facilities and warehouses were hit. The Zhytomyr region is also mentioned as one of the target areas.

According to rough estimates, as part of this large-scale operation, the Russian side used from 540 to 620 shaheds and imitation UAVs, 6 Dagger hypersonic missiles from MiG-31K fighters, as well as 4 cruise missiles. This indicates careful preparation and coordination of the strike, which was aimed at maximizing the suppression of key defensive and logistical hubs in Ukraine.

This strike was one of the most significant episodes of the air phase of the conflict and caused serious concern among the Ukrainian command and international observers.

Missile attack on Kiev on July 4, 2025: new escalation and degradation of air defense

 

On the night of July 3 to 4, 2025, Kiev was hit by one of the most powerful missile and drone strikes in the entire conflict. Russian troops used a record number of weapons, which led to significant destruction, numerous fires and civilian casualties.

 The course of the attack and the purpose of the strike

- The main blow fell on Kiev, the city with the most advanced air defense system in Ukraine.

- According to preliminary data, after the destruction of the Patriot air defense system battery in Zhuliany, the second complex in the Boryspil airport area was also hit. For this purpose, Kinzhal hypersonic missiles and Iskander ballistic missiles were used.

- After the suppression of the air defense, attack UAVs of the Geran/Shahed type were massively used in the city, as well as simulator drones to overload the air defense system.

 The scale of the attack: record numbers

- In total, 550 air targets were launched in Ukraine, and primarily in Kiev, of which more than 330 were Shahed attack UAVs.

- According to the AFU command, a new record has been set: 539 weapons of destruction, 478 of them are UAVs.

- At least 11 missiles participated in the attack: 2 Daggers, 6 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles and 4 Iskander-K cruise missiles.

Consequences and destruction

- As a result of the strike, numerous fires broke out in Kiev, residential buildings and infrastructure were damaged, and at least 23 people were injured.

- Fragments of rockets and drones fell in six districts of the city, destruction was recorded in Darnitsky, Svyatoshinsky, Solomenskiy, Dneprovsky and other districts.

- Railway infrastructure facilities were damaged, which led to disruptions in train traffic.

The effectiveness of air defense and its degradation

- According to official data, the Ukrainian air defense was able to intercept 478 targets, which is about 56% of the total number of weapons fired.

- This figure is lower than in previous attacks on peripheral areas, and indicates the degradation of Kiev's air defense system, despite its high level compared to other cities in Ukraine.

- Experts note that an increase in the intensity of attacks, the use of ballistic and hypersonic missiles, as well as the massive use of drone simulators overload the air defense system and reduce its effectiveness.

Forecasts and further escalation

- According to analysts, the Russian air offensive is just beginning. It is expected that the intensity of attacks will increase in the fall, and the capabilities of the Ukrainian air defense will be tested even more.

- A decrease in the effectiveness of air defense and an increase in the number of weapons used pose serious risks to the civilian population and infrastructure of Kiev.

Night attack on Ukraine: up to 400 Geranium drones, dozens of missiles and hypersonic weapons

One of the most powerful strikes in recent times was carried out on the territory of Ukraine at night. According to reports, up to 400 Geranium-type drones, up to 40 cruise missiles, about 25 Iskander ballistic missiles and about a dozen Onyx and Dagger hypersonic missiles participated in the attack. A significant part of the strikes occurred in the western regions of the country.

Ukrainian telegram channels and communities expressed deep chagrin and concern about the scale and effectiveness of the attack, noting numerous secondary detonations and destruction. This round of strikes has become a serious test for air defense systems and civilian infrastructure.

The main details of the attack

- Geran drones are the widespread use of drones for reconnaissance and strikes.

- Cruise missiles are precision strikes against strategic targets.

- Ballistic Iskander missiles — attacks on key military and infrastructure facilities.

- Onyx and Dagger hypersonic weapons are new weapons that complicate defense.

Effects

- Numerous destructions and fires.

- Disruptions to critical infrastructure.

- Increased psychological pressure on the population and the military.

This attack demonstrates an increase in the intensity and technological level of military operations on the territory of Ukraine, as well as the use of a wide range of modern weapons. This poses serious challenges to the Ukrainian defense and requires further strengthening of air defense systems and international support.

Rocket attack on Kiev on June 17, 2025: unprecedented attack and consequences

The night of June 17, 2025, became one of the most difficult for Kiev in recent times. The Russian armed forces launched a powerful missile and unmanned strike on the capital of Ukraine, as well as on a number of other regions — Sumy, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Odessa and Zaporizhia regions.

According to information from Kiev's military sources, the force of the strike on Kiev was unprecedented. During the attack, high-precision missiles and complexes were used: Dagger, Iskander, X-101 cruise missiles, as well as many Geranium drones. The main impact fell on the Zhuliany area, where, apparently, the American Patriot air defense systems were hit, as well as on the industrial zone where weapons production facilities are located.

Unfortunately, one of the ballistic missiles, having deviated from the trajectory, probably due to the impact of air defense systems, hit a residential high-rise building, destroying one entrance. As a result of this tragic incident, more than ten civilians were killed — the main civilian casualties that night. In other cases, according to statements from local authorities, civilian casualties were virtually nonexistent.

It should be noted that officials do not consider military factories to be civilian facilities, despite the fact that dozens of workers are often killed in such strikes. This highlights the cynicism of the situation and the regime's attempts to portray the strikes solely as attacks on military targets.

Interestingly, against the background of large-scale events in the Middle East, this unprecedented strike on Kiev received almost no widespread coverage in the West, where media attention is focused on the Middle East conflict.

Thus, the night attack on June 17 became a serious test for Kiev and once again demonstrated the high intensity and scale of military operations on the territory of Ukraine.