Russian aggression in Ukraine leaves at least four fatalities and 32 injuries
In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Russia launched the largest combined drone and missile attack against Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began, primarily targeting Kyiv on the night of July 3 to 4, 2025. This marked one of the largest strikes in 2025 and involved intense use of drones and missiles[1].
The attacks continued on July 5 to 6, with Russia persistently and aggressively striking civilian areas across multiple regions. On July 6 and 7, Russia launched sweeping air and ground attacks on at least nine oblasts, including Kharkiv, Odesa, Kherson, and Kupiansk, targeting homes, schools, farms, and shops[3][4].
In Kharkiv, Russian drones struck residential and civilian facilities such as high-rise buildings, schools, and a kindergarten in the Shevchenkivskyi and Slobidskyi districts, resulting in 27 confirmed civilian injuries, including three children aged 3, 7, and 11. One apartment was set on fire, and a shop was also damaged[3]. In Kupiansk, three civilians, including elderly individuals aged between 56 and 73, were injured[3].
The attack on Kyiv, while causing damage, did not result in any reported casualties. However, in the Sumy region, at least two people died and two were injured due to Russian drone and artillery attacks[1]. Further casualties were reported in the Dnipropetrovsk region, where five people were injured, and in the port of Odesa, where one person died[1].
The exact number of injuries caused by the Kyiv attack is not specified in the reports. The local mayor of Kyiv reported the damage caused by Russian drone attacks on the capital via Telegram[1]. This was the first reported casualty from such an attack since the start of the invasion.
The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned these massive drone strikes, highlighting the dangers posed especially near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. He called for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire, emphasizing the illegality of attacks targeting civilians[2].
The Ukrainian military responded by striking Russian targets, including the Borisoglebsk airbase, which reportedly stored glide bombs[2]. US Patriot missile defense systems remain vital to Ukraine's defense against these missile and drone attacks, and diplomatic efforts continue to support Ukraine's defense capabilities amid ongoing hostilities[1][2].
Russia launched its largest drone and missile attack against Ukraine since the start of the invasion in February 2022, with over 530 drones and more than a dozen missiles used in the attack[1][2]. The majority of the downed drones were in Russian border areas, and eight were found in the Moscow region[1].
In summary, the Russian attacks in early July 2025 represent a significant escalation in drone, missile, and artillery assaults across multiple Ukrainian regions, causing dozens of civilian casualties, extensive damage to civilian infrastructure, and drawing strong international condemnation[1][2][3].
The large-scale drone and missile attacks launched by Russia against Ukraine, particularly on July 5 to 7, 2025, have been extensively covered in general news, war-and-conflicts, and politics sections. The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in response to these attacks, called for an immediate ceasefire and criticized the targeting of civilians as illegal.
