In one of the most intense aerial assaults since the beginning of the war, Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched a record 728 drones and 13 missiles in a single night on July 9, 2025. The majority of the drones were Iranian-made Shahed kamikaze drones, accompanied by decoy drones designed to confuse Ukraine’s air defenses.

Ukraine said its defense systems were able to intercept many of the drones and missiles, though damage to energy infrastructure and civilian buildings has been reported in several regions. Casualty figures are still being assessed.

This latest barrage marks a significant escalation in Russia’s strategy of overwhelming Ukraine’s air defense network through sheer volume. Ukrainian officials said the scale of the attack was aimed at crippling critical infrastructure and pushing civilian populations into deeper crisis.

The massive overnight assault has drawn sharp criticism from Western allies, who reiterated calls for bolstering Ukraine’s air defense capabilities with advanced systems and urgent military aid.