Russia sets new record for drone strikes on Ukraine in July: Report

Russia unleashed an unprecedented number of drone attacks on Ukraine in July, according to an Agence France-Presse (AFP) analysis released Friday, escalating its air assault despite international pressure, particularly from the United States, to end the war.

Since June, the intensification of Russian strikes has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians across Ukraine. One of the deadliest attacks occurred early Thursday, when a combined missile and drone barrage struck the capital, Kyiv, killing 31 people, including five children, according to rescue teams.

The missile hit a nine-story residential building, ripping through homes in the early morning hours. Recovery crews continued to pull bodies from the rubble into Friday. Among the victims was a two-year-old child whose body was found later that day.

Residents gathered to mourn. Iryna Drozd, a 28-year-old mother, laid flowers near the scene. “These are flowers because children died. We brought flowers because we have children. Our children live across the street from here,” she told AFP.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that search operations had ended and reiterated his willingness to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate an end to the war. “The United States has proposed this. Ukraine has supported it. What is needed is Russia's readiness,” he wrote on X.

We see and support President Trump’s @POTUS efforts to end Russia’s war, to stop the killing, and to achieve a dignified and lasting peace. We are grateful to everyone around the world who supports peace efforts and helps us protect lives.

We have heard the statements coming out…

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 1, 2025

Putin, however, gave no indication of agreeing to such a meeting. Speaking alongside Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, he insisted that Russia's conditions for peace have not changed, most notably that Ukraine must cede territory and abandon its NATO ambitions.

“The main thing is to eradicate the causes that gave rise to this crisis,” Putin said. “We need a lasting and stable peace on solid foundations that would satisfy both Russia and Ukraine, and would ensure the security of both countries.”

Putin further claimed that Russian forces are advancing “along the entire front line” and announced the mass production of the “Oreshnik” missile, a nuclear-capable hypersonic weapon reportedly first used against Ukraine last year.

The Kremlin has repeatedly dismissed the idea of a ceasefire, insisting that diplomatic avenues remain closed as long as Ukraine refuses to meet its demands. Earlier in July, Russian officials explicitly ruled out any near-term negotiations.

Meanwhile, international condemnation continues to grow. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the latest strikes as “depraved,” posting a photo of the EU flag flown at half-mast. “More weapons for Ukraine and tougher sanctions on Russia are the fastest way to end the war,” she said. “Getting more air defenses to Ukraine fast is our priority.”

Germany responded by announcing the upcoming delivery of two more US-made Patriot air defense systems, in addition to the three it has already supplied since 2022.

Across the Atlantic, US President Donald Trump condemned Russia’s actions as “disgusting” and warned of looming consequences. He stated on Thursday that new sanctions against Moscow were imminent and that his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, currently in 'Israel', would soon head to Russia for talks.

Earlier in the week, Trump gave Moscow a 10-day ultimatum to cease hostilities or face additional punitive measures.

As the war grinds on into its fourth year, and drone and missile attacks become deadlier, diplomatic paths remain blocked. Ukraine continues to plead for support, while Moscow signals no willingness to compromise.