Russia and Ukraine exchanged waves of drone strikes overnight as both sides prepare for possible ceasefire negotiations later this week. The strikes are setting new records in scale and frequency, with both nations ramping up their drone capabilities.
Russia’s Defense Ministry said it downed 107 Ukrainian drones across seven regions, including 28 near Moscow. This followed Ukraine’s earlier strikes, which led to Russia intercepting 221 drones in one day — its highest daily count since June 6.
Airports Disrupted and Kyiv Hit Hard
Ukraine reported Russia launched 426 drones and 24 missiles overnight. The air force intercepted most, but debris impacted several areas. In Kyiv, explosions killed at least one person and injured nine, damaging residential buildings, a supermarket, a kindergarten, and even a metro station entrance.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said multiple regions across the country were attacked, leaving at least two dead and 15 injured overall.
Calls for Expanded Drone Arsenal
Zelenskyy ordered the military to increase the range and frequency of Ukrainian drone strikes, targeting Russian weapons production sites. He emphasized that “only real pressure on Russia can stop this aggression.”
Drone War By the Numbers
In July alone, Russia launched nearly 5,000 drones and 148 missiles into Ukraine, averaging 234 drones per day. Ukraine’s drone attacks are also escalating, with Russia claiming to have downed over 2,300 Ukrainian drones this month.
Ceasefire Talks and U.S. Pressure
Zelenskyy renewed calls for ceasefire talks, with plans for another meeting with Russian officials. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged President Donald Trump’s 50-day ceasefire ultimatum but noted that achieving peace is a long and complex process.
Peskov hinted at a future meeting between Trump and President Vladimir Putin, stating, “It is possible, and over time it will definitely happen.”
However, he added that the groundwork for significant agreements still needs to be done.
For more on the Russia-Ukraine war, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.