Kyiv – July 1, 2025: Russia launched its largest drone attack since the start of the war, targeting multiple cities across Ukraine in the early hours of Monday — just a day after former U.S. President Donald Trump vowed to escalate weapons supply to Kyiv if re-elected.
According to Ukrainian authorities, over 100 Shahed-type kamikaze drones were launched by Russia, mostly aimed at Kyiv, Lviv, Dnipro, and Odesa, causing infrastructure damage and civilian injuries, though no deaths were reported.
Massive Drone Barrage and Air Defense Response
Ukraine’s air force claimed it intercepted 87 of the 100+ drones, but several key infrastructure sites and residential areas were hit, causing:
- Power outages and fires in central and western regions
- Damage to energy facilities and fuel depots
- Injuries to at least 12 civilians, including children, due to falling debris
“This was the largest drone attack since the invasion began,” said Mykola Oleshchuk, Commander of Ukraine’s Air Force.
The drones reportedly originated from Russian-occupied Crimea and the Kursk region, highlighting Moscow’s growing reliance on Iranian-made UAVs.
Trump’s Statement and Moscow’s Reaction
The assault comes within 24 hours of Donald Trump’s public commitment to accelerate U.S. military aid to Ukraine if he wins the 2024 presidential election, reversing his earlier vague stance on the conflict.
Trump stated at a rally in Michigan:
“If elected, I will ensure Ukraine gets what it needs to finish this fight.”
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov condemned the remarks, calling them “provocative” and a “direct threat to peace efforts.”
Escalation Amid Stalled Diplomacy
The intensified drone campaign indicates a further escalation in the war’s aerial dimension, amid:
- A stalemate on the eastern front
- Ongoing Western rearmament of Ukrainian forces
- Russia’s shift toward drone and missile warfare to avoid manpower losses
The EU and NATO condemned the strikes and reiterated their commitment to “Ukraine’s defense and sovereignty.”
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