Ukraine Endures Unprecedented Drone Barrage as U.S. Vows Greater Support

By Fakorede King Abdulmajeed | Fuxma Media | July 8, 2025

Russia launched its largest drone and missile assault against Ukraine since the war began, Ukrainian officials said Wednesday, striking multiple cities across the country in an overnight bombardment that followed new pledges of American military aid.

According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Russian forces deployed more than 700 attack drones, along with cruise and ballistic missiles, targeting regions from Kyiv to the western city of Lutsk. Ukrainian air defense systems intercepted hundreds of the drones, but damage was reported in several areas, including power infrastructure and civilian buildings.

Military analysts said the scale of the attack represented an escalation in Russia’s long-range strike campaign, which has increasingly relied on swarms of Iranian-designed Shahed drones to overwhelm Ukrainian defenses.

The strikes came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump publicly criticized Russian President Vladimir V. Putin during a press briefing in Washington, accusing him of spreading “nonsense” over stalled peace efforts. Trump reaffirmed America’s support for Ukraine, vowing to increase military assistance, including air defense systems and artillery.

“The United States stands with Ukraine in its fight for freedom,” Mr. Trump said. “Mr. Putin’s games are over.”

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky called the overnight bombardment “one of the most intense attacks we have faced” and thanked international partners for their continued support. In a national address, he stressed the urgent need to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense network ahead of what he called “a critical period in the war.”

Local officials reported temporary blackouts in several regions, though there were no immediate reports of large-scale casualties. Emergency crews worked through the morning to clear debris and restore essential services.

Russia’s Defense Ministry did not comment on the attack’s scale but claimed its forces had targeted Ukrainian military facilities and weapons depots.

The assault follows months of stagnant front-line fighting and highlights the growing importance of long-range strikes as both sides prepare for the next phase of the conflict. Western leaders condemned the attack and warned of further sanctions against Moscow if the escalation continued.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg called for unity in the face of Russian aggression. Polish and Romanian air forces reportedly increased patrols along NATO’s eastern flank overnight.

As Ukraine rebuilds from the latest assault, the conflict shows little sign of resolution, with peace talks frozen and military operations intensifying.