Russia's Combined Assault on Ukraine
During the night of July 19, Russia executed a large-scale combined attack on Ukraine, primarily targeting Kyiv, deploying 166 aerial threats including 41 missiles and 125 drones. Ukrainian air defense forces reported neutralizing 126 targets—18 missiles and 108 drones—while 23 missiles and 10 drones struck 20 separate locations. In the capital, the assault killed one person and injured 15 others, with nine hospitalized and three in critical condition.
Missile and Drone Types Used
The attack featured a range of missile types, including:
- 10 Zircon missiles
- 25 Iskander-M and S-400 missiles
- 3 Oniks and 3 Kh-59/69 missiles
Drones deployed included:
- Shahed
- Gerbera
- Italmas
- Parody decoys
- Banderol loitering munitions
Over the past week, Russia has used approximately 1,450 attack drones, more than 1,640 guided aerial bombs, and 99 missiles, underscoring the relentless pressure on Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated: 'This night, Russia carried out one of the most massive ballistic attacks on Kyiv.'
To counter such threats, Ukraine deployed aviation, surface-to-air missile units, electronic warfare and drone system teams, along with mobile fire groups. Nearly 600 emergency responders worked to manage the aftermath, successfully extinguishing all fires in the Shevchenkivskyi and Solomianskyi districts.
Defending against ballistic missiles remains Ukraine's top priority. As Zelenskyy emphasized, 'interceptors are needed every day.' The attacks also struck Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, Chernihiv, and other regions, highlighting the broad and severe nature of the threat to national security.
This assault underscores the prolonged and intense military campaign Russia is waging against Ukraine. It ranks among the heaviest missile strikes in recent months, signaling an escalation in the conflict and the urgent need to bolster Ukraine's defensive capabilities. The heightened activity of Russian forces across multiple regions indicates that the threat remains severe, requiring Ukrainian forces to remain prepared for further attacks.
The recent large-scale attack on Kyiv is part of a broader pattern of Russian strikes across Ukraine, which have resulted in numerous casualties and widespread destruction. For a detailed account of the impact of these nighttime assaults on various regions, including the tragic loss of life and injuries sustained, visit this report on the deadly overnight strikes.