Russia is launching attacks on Ukraine using anti-aircraft missiles.
In response to a sharp increase in Russian air attacks on Ukraine, the government in Kyiv has called for an increased number of Western air defense systems, particularly US-provided Patriot systems. The surge in Russian air offensive, which includes missile and drone strikes, has resulted in record civilian casualties and extensive damage across multiple regions[1][2].
In July 2025 alone, Russia launched several large-scale drone and missile strikes involving over 500 drones per combined strike, severely testing Ukraine's air defenses. Ukrainian forces have managed to down many drones using interceptor drones and electronic warfare, but the sheer scale of the attacks underscores Ukraine's urgent need for more robust air defense capabilities[2].
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) emphasizes that these intensified strikes are designed to degrade Ukrainian and Western morale and to underscore Ukraine's continuing need for Western air defense systems, particularly Patriot systems, to protect critical infrastructure and population centers[2].
Recently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held discussions with Trump's Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg regarding the strengthening of air defense. However, the conversations did not provide any updates on the status of the Patriot air defense systems, the delivery of any specific defense systems, or new details about the sanctions against Russia and its allies[3].
In a separate incident, Russia launched attacks on Ukraine with missiles and over 100 drones, resulting in three deaths and numerous injuries in the Kharkiv and Sumy regions[4][5].
As the situation continues to evolve, Kyiv is looking towards its Western allies for support in bolstering its defensive capabilities against these intensified missile and drone offensives. The federal government has shown willingness to finance two Patriot systems, and discussions with the US President, Donald Trump, and the EU have included the delivery of defense weapons in cooperation with Europe[6].
References: [1] BBC News. (2025, July 1). Ukraine crisis: Kyiv seeks more Western air defense systems. BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57679270 [2] The Washington Post. (2025, July 5). Ukraine's air defenses are struggling to keep up with Russia's relentless drone and missile attacks. The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/2025/07/05/ukraines-air-defenses-are-struggling-to-keep-up-with-russias-relentless-drone-and-missile-attacks/ [3] Reuters. (2025, July 8). Ukraine's Zelenskyy discusses air defense with Trump's Ukraine envoy Kellogg. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraines-zelenskyy-discusses-air-defense-with-trumps-ukraine-envoy-kellogg-2025-07-08/ [4] The New York Times. (2025, July 10). Russia Attacks Ukraine With Missiles and Drones, Killing Three and Injuring Many. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/10/world/europe/ukraine-russia-attacks.html [5] Associated Press. (2025, July 10). Ukraine: Russia attacks kill 3, wound dozens in east. Associated Press. https://apnews.com/article/europe-ukraine-russia-donetsk-military-conflict-59817d3f06b59666757f5f14c35f7e0d [6] The Guardian. (2025, July 12). US to send several Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, Trump announces. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/12/us-to-send-several-patriot-air-defense-systems-to-ukraine-trump-announces
- The increase in Russian air attacks on Ukraine has resulted in a call for enhanced community policy and stronger employment policies among Western nations, as they consider providing additional air defense systems to address Ukraine's urgent need.
- With the escalation in war-and-conflicts, general news outlets are covering the dynamics of politics in this volatile region, while crime-and-justice sections report the civilian casualties and damage caused by these offensive tactics.
