Encountered over Ukraine: 60 Russian drones, together with a missile, were successfully thwarted
In the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russia has escalated its summer offensive, focusing attacks on three main axes: the northeastern Sumy region and the Donetsk Oblast cities of Pokrovsk and Kostyantynivka. This escalation includes increasingly frequent and large-scale Russian drone and missile strikes targeting Ukrainian cities, adding pressure on Ukrainian defenses.
In the last 24 hours, Russia launched 46 drones and one ballistic missile, with 17 drones and the missile successfully hitting targets, causing casualties including 10 killed and 17 injured. Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) also conducted drone strikes, including hitting the Russian-occupied Saky Airfield in Crimea and reportedly destroying a Russian Su-30SM fighter jet.
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the largest in Europe and under Russian occupation since March 2022, was once again the target of observation by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) due to explosions and smoke.
On the ground, fighting in northern Sumy Oblast continues with contested control. Russian forces have tried to advance, but without confirmed breakthroughs. Ukrainian counterattacks near Kindrativka, Andriivka, and Yunakivka have reportedly pushed back Russian positions, with Ukraine maintaining defensive positions north of Sumy City. Reports suggest over 330 Russian troops were killed in a failed attack, reflecting heavy Russian casualties in ongoing combat.
Ukrainian forces are under manpower strain and are considering widening conscription. President Zelenskyy faces domestic challenges, including protests over anti-corruption efforts and draft enforcement.
The region of Mykolajiw has been a constant threat to the population due to drone and rocket attacks. Dozens of civilian infrastructure buildings were destroyed or damaged in the Mykolajiw attack, and at least 7 people were injured in a Russian rocket attack on the city. A missile hit a residential area in Mykolaiv, injuring several people and damaging residential buildings.
In response to the ongoing war, the EU is supporting Ukraine with financial assistance totaling 50 billion euros in exchange for reforms that would bring Kyiv closer to a possible EU accession. However, the requirements for the tranches may be changed due to the ongoing war.
Amidst this intense conflict, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced further long-range attacks on Russian territory. The Ukrainian government reports that two armored vehicles were destroyed, 135 unarmored vehicles, and 43 artillery systems in the past 24 hours.
The conflict remains intense with heavy drone and missile attacks from Russia, active Ukrainian drone strikes, ongoing ground fighting with significant casualties on both sides, and Ukraine seeking increased international military support amid internal strains.
- In light of the intense conflict in Ukraine, the Ukrainian government is discussing an expansion of conscription in response to the manpower strain faced by the armed forces.
- The ongoing war and conflicts in Ukraine have led to politics surrounding the EU's support for Ukraine, with potential changes to the requirements for financial assistance due to the escalating situation.
