Russia launched its most extensive drone and missile assault on Ukraine overnight on Friday, July 4—just hours after a high-stakes phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin ended without any breakthrough on ending the war.
Explosions rocked Kyiv as Ukrainian air defences scrambled to intercept incoming threats. AFP journalists reported hearing the constant buzz of drones and multiple detonations throughout the night.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said nationwide air raid sirens began shortly after the Trump-Putin call made headlines.
“Once again, Russia proves it has no intention of stopping its war and terror,” Zelensky wrote on social media. “Only large-scale pressure will force Russia to change its senseless and destructive course.”
Ukraine’s air force said the strike involved 539 drones of different types and 11 missiles. Officials reported 23 people wounded, calling it the most intense aerial attack since the war began.
“This was the largest attack of the war,” a Ukrainian air force spokesperson told local media.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin reaffirmed its military objectives. The Trump-Putin call—their sixth since Trump’s return to office—produced no diplomatic progress. Although Trump has spoken positively about peace talks in the past, his tone reportedly shifted following the latest conversation.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga condemned the attack, accusing Russia of defying international calls for peace. “Putin clearly shows he has no respect for the U.S. or anyone urging an end to the conflict,” he said.
Russia’s aerial campaign has intensified in recent weeks. An AFP analysis revealed a record number of drone and missile strikes in June, coinciding with stalled peace efforts.
In Kyiv, residents sought shelter in underground metro stations as sirens wailed across the capital.
The assault follows rising concerns over U.S. military aid to Ukraine. This week, Washington announced a reduction in some military support, prompting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to urge the EU to “step up.”
Ukraine has answered with increased drone attacks on Russian territory. In one recent incident, a Ukrainian drone strike killed a woman when it hit a residential building, according to local Russian officials.
