In July, Russia conducted over 6,000 drone assaults on Ukraine, marking the highest monthly total since the large-scale invasion began in 2022. These strikes resulted in multiple fatalities and numerous injuries, with significant damage to civilian infrastructure such as private homes, a kindergarten, and an ambulance. Data released by Ukraine’s air force indicated a surge to 6,297 long-range drones last month, representing a nearly 16% increase from June. Reports reveal that 6,129 of these were Shahed-type drones, which is a significant rise compared to the same period last year, where only 423 drones were used.
Ukrainian Air Force representative Yurii Ihnat suggested that the actual numbers might be even higher due to the estimates used for tracking. On the night of July 9, Russian forces launched a staggering 741 drones and decoys in a single attack targeting Western Ukraine, surpassing the total number used in the entire month of July the previous year. This assault claimed at least eight lives in the regions of Sumy, Donetsk, and Kherson, despite Ukrainian defenses intercepting the majority of the drones. This wave of attacks followed an announcement by US President Donald Trump regarding plans to assist Ukraine by supplying additional defensive weaponry and facilitating European financing for Patriot air defense systems.
As the month concluded, attacks persisted, with a notable strike on Kyiv on July 31 resulting in 31 deaths, including five children, and injuring 159 more. In this incident alone, over 300 drones and eight missiles were reportedly used by Russia. Additionally, the month saw 198 missile launches, maintaining a high level of aggression following June. In June, Russia launched a total of 5,337 drones, with a significant attack occurring on June 9 soon before a planned prisoner exchange.
Ongoing peace talks in Turkey have yet to produce a sustainable ceasefire, despite the possibility of new sanctions from Trump targeting Russia and its trading partners. Since the 2022 invasion, Russian drones have been modified to operate several kilometers above ground, complicating defense efforts and increasing Ukraine’s reliance on US-supplied air defense systems, including those funded by European nations. Russia uses a variety of drones, including explosive-laden ones and decoys meant to deplete Ukrainian defense capabilities, as well as reconnaissance drones that locate air defense positions. By flooding defense systems with drones, Russia aims to create opportunities for missile attacks.
The heavy Mohajer-6 drones and less advanced Shahed drones are imported from Iran, described by Russia as an “important partner” in late 2024. Meanwhile, Ukraine has become the world’s leading arms importer from 2020 to 2024, boosting its local drone production to bolster its defenses.
