Russia launched over 6,000 drones on Ukraine in July 2025, marking the largest aerial drone offensive since the war began in 2022. According to Ukraine’s Air Force and Kyiv Independent, more than 6,297 drones were deployed — a 14-fold increase from July 2024. Most were Shahed-type kamikaze drones supplied by Iran.
A single night on July 9 witnessed a record 741 drones and decoys launched in one attack on Western Ukraine. Although most were intercepted, at least eight civilians were killed across Sumy, Donetsk, and Kherson.
The July 31 missile and drone strike on Kyiv killed 31 civilians, including five children, and injured 159, according to President Zelenskyy. Russia used over 300 drones and eight missiles in that attack alone.
Key figures:
• Shahed-type drones fired in July: 6,129
• Total Russian drones in June: 5,337
• Russian missiles in July: 198
• Children killed on July 31 in Kyiv: 5
• Patriot systems pledged: US and European-funded via Raytheon
Russia has now adapted its drone strategy to fly higher, making machinegun interception more difficult. This has increased Ukraine’s dependence on advanced U.S. air defenses.
President Trump responded by pushing for more U.S. and European support, stating: “They have to be able to defend themselves.”
