How Ukraine broke through Russia’s air defenses
Ukraine is expanding its aerial campaign against Russian infrastructure, recently hitting a Wildberries logistics center in Yekaterinburg and launching a drone attack in Belgorod that killed five people. Russia continues to target Ukrainian population centers, with overnight strikes in the Brovary district of Kyiv Oblast killing three people, including a child. These exchanges occur as Russian foreign ministry officials signal that the nation must prepare for long-term military operations because Europe will not permit a near-term settlement of the conflict.
What changed
Recent strikes hit a Wildberries hub in Yekaterinburg and caused five deaths in Belgorod.
Live updates
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Ukraine Targets Russian Logistics Hubs Amid Deadly Kyiv Strikes
Ukraine is expanding its aerial campaign against Russian infrastructure, recently hitting a Wildberries logistics center in Yekaterinburg and launching a drone attack in Belgorod that killed five people. Russia continues to target Ukrainian population centers, with overnight strikes in the Brovary district of Kyiv Oblast killing three people, including a child. These exchanges occur as Russian foreign ministry officials signal that the nation must prepare for long-term military operations because Europe will not permit a near-term settlement of the conflict.
Why it matters
The conflict has shifted toward a war of attrition focusing on aerial weaponry while ground lines remain static. Ukraine targets retail and energy hubs to disrupt Russian logistics, while Russia exploits Ukrainian interceptor shortages to strike urban areas.
What is confirmed
- A drone attack in Belgorod killed five people and injured 25.
- Russian strikes in the Brovary district of Kyiv Oblast killed three people, including a child.
- A fire started at a Wildberries logistics center in Yekaterinburg on Friday.
Still unconfirmed
- Russia's foreign ministry claims Europe will not allow a settlement of the Ukrainian conflict in the near future.
What to watch next
- Changes in Russian air defense deployment around Yekaterinburg
- Ukrainian procurement of additional ballistic missile interceptors
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.arabtimesonline.com — Ukraine Drone Strike Hits Russia's Wildberries Logistics Hub as US Warns Putin Could Test NATO
- kyivindependent.com — Deadly Russian attack in Kyiv region kills 3, including child
- news.am — MFA calls upon Russians to prepare for long war
- www.ibtimes.co.uk — Belgorod Drone Attack: Russian Officials Confirm Five Dead as Four-Year-Old Boy Suffers Shrapnel Wounds
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Ukraine targets Russian logistics while Moscow exploits air defense gaps
Ukraine is using innovative aerial weapons to disrupt Russian retail logistics and energy infrastructure, including strikes on three oil refineries and Wildberries warehouses that killed five people. Simultaneously, Russia is intensifying ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv to exploit a critical shortage of Ukrainian interceptors. A recent overnight strike killed at least 17 people, with Ukrainian forces unable to shoot down any ballistic missiles despite intercepting most drones. Both nations are increasing production of aerial weaponry as ground combat remains largely frozen.
Why it matters
The conflict has now lasted over four years. US-made Patriot systems are the only weapons capable of intercepting Russian ballistic missiles, making their availability critical for civilian protection.
What is confirmed
- Russian missile attacks on Kyiv killed at least 17 people.
- Ukrainian drones hit three Russian warehouses, killing five people.
- Both Russia and Ukraine are producing larger numbers of innovative aerial weapons.
- Ground combat between the two nations is largely frozen.
Still unconfirmed
- Power was cut to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
What to watch next
- Delivery of additional Patriot interceptor missiles to Ukraine
- Results of the German investigation into the drone incident at Leipzig airport
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (8)
- www.theguardian.com — Ukraine war briefing: Strikes on three Russian oil refineries and sanctioned ship
- thedeepdive.ca — Ukraine Drone Strikes Targets Russian Retail Logistics, Kills 5
- www.onlineopinion.com.au — The Ukraine–Russia war: where things stand at the end of July 2026
- www.nytimes.com — How the Ukraine War Became a Fight for the Skies
- www.pbs.org — Russian missile attacks on Kyiv expose weakness in Ukraine's air defense
- eu.detroitnews.com — Russia kills 17 in missile strikes on Ukraine, destroys warehouses, logistics
- www.theguardian.com — Zelenskyy calls for more air defences as Russian attack on Kyiv kills at least 17
- www.theguardian.com — Germany investigates drone carrying ‘explosive device’ near Ukrainian plane at busy cargo airport – as it happened
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Ukraine strikes deep into Russia with drones and missiles
Ukraine has launched a series of drone strikes and missile attacks deep into Russian territory, targeting logistics hubs, industrial sites, and cities, including a massive attack on Penza and other regions. Russia has retaliated with ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv, killing at least 9 people and injuring many more. Ukraine's air defense systems are overwhelmed, and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has warned that they have run out of interceptor missiles for their US Patriot air defense systems.
Why it matters
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has shifted into a phase defined by technological competition, with both sides deploying drones and missiles to target each other's territory. Ukraine's goal is to create a path toward a diplomatic resolution by disrupting Russia's air defenses and logistics. The recent attacks have resulted in significant damage and loss of life on both sides.
What is confirmed
- At least 8 people were killed and over 30 injured in a wave of Russian attacks on Ukraine overnight.
- Russia launched 35 missiles at Ukraine, including 27 ballistic missiles, and 185 drones on August 1.
- Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy warned that they have run out of interceptor missiles for their US Patriot air defense systems.
- Major fires erupted at logistics hubs and industrial sites in Russia's Penza region after a Ukrainian drone attack.
Still unconfirmed
- US President Donald Trump has ordered an attack on Iran as soon as this weekend.
What to watch next
- US decision on granting licenses for Kyiv to produce its own Patriot air defense missiles
- Russia's response to Ukraine's drone strikes and missile attacks
- Ukraine's ability to replenish its air defense systems
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.express.co.uk — Air sirens blast as Russia swept by flames after massive drone attack
- www.bluewin.ch — Ukraine: At Least Eight Dead in Wave of Russian Attacks
- www.al-monitor.com — Russia pounds Kyiv, kills 9 as Ukraine appeals for Patriot interceptors
- www.rferl.org — Russia Targets Kyiv With Ballistic Missiles As Zelenskyy Awaits US Patriot Decision
- www.afr.com — Trump orders attack on Iran as soon as this weekend: report
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Ukraine Uses Long-Range Drones to Pressure Russia Toward Diplomacy
Ukraine is conducting drone strikes deep inside Russian territory to create a path toward a diplomatic resolution. The conflict has shifted into a phase defined by technological competition rather than territorial gains.
Still unconfirmed:
- Ukraine is using long-range drone strikes to pave a path to a diplomatic resolution
- The war with Russia has entered a phase defined more by technological competition than territorial gains
- The U.S. military thwarted an Iranian ballistic missile attack on American forces on Tuesday
- The U.S. maintains its arsenal is strong despite missile use during the Iran conflict, though rebuilding advanced weapons may take years
confidence 70%Sources used for this update (4)
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Iran Accuses Ukraine of Caspian Sea Vessel Attack
Iran claims Ukraine targeted an Iranian vessel in the Caspian Sea. This occurs as the U.S. maintains a pause in strikes against Iran due to ongoing talks. President Trump is scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Tuesday.
What's confirmed:
- Tehran accused Ukraine of attacking an Iranian vessel in the Caspian Sea.
- The United States has paused strikes on Iran while peace talks continue.
- President Trump will host President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Tuesday.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (8)
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- Trump warns Iran on Strait of Hormuz: 'Not much time' for talks before 'strong military action'
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- Iran war spreads to Red Sea and Caspian, Gulf quiet as U.S. forgoes strikes
- Trump and Zelensky Set for White House Talks on Tuesday
- U.S. forgoes strikes on Iran, but conflict in the Red Sea escalates
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- US prolongs pause in attacks on Iran as peace talks continue
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Ukraine Uses Drone Swarms to Overwhelm Russian Air Defenses
Ukraine is employing a saturation strategy with advanced drones and missiles to strike targets deep inside Russia. June saw a record number of these long-range strikes. This campaign has forced Russia to shift air defense systems to protect Moscow and other key targets.
What's confirmed:
- Ukraine is using advanced drones and missiles to overwhelm Russian air defenses.
- June saw a record number of Ukrainian long-range drone strikes.
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy states Russia is moving air defenses to protect key targets including Moscow.
- Ukraine is utilizing a saturation strategy with large drone swarms.
Still unconfirmed:
- Drones hit Russian S-300 and S-400 positions near Kerch and a Marianivka electrical substation.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (8)
- Ukraine’s growing drone strikes overwhelm Russian air defenses, WSJ reports
- Russian S-300/S-400 Positions Near Kerch Reportedly Hit as Crimea Power Node Burns
- Breaking News Highlights Updates: US Supreme Court blocks Trump's firing of Fed governor in blow to White House
- Steve Clarke leaves Scotland LIVE as Ange Postecoglou appointment would be an 'interesting phenomenon'
- How Ukraine broke through Russia's air defenses — Live Feed
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- Zelenskyy says Russia is shifting air defenses to Moscow and ... - SFGATE
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Ukrainian Drone Swarms Breach Moscow Air Defenses
Ukraine is utilizing a saturation strategy with large drone swarms to overwhelm Russian air defenses. Recent strikes hit a major oil refinery in Moscow and other critical industrial targets deep inside Russia. This campaign has forced Russia to relocate air defense systems to protect the capital.
What's confirmed:
- Ukrainian drones struck Moscow on the morning of June 18, 2026.
- Hundreds of Ukrainian drones hit a major Russian oil refinery in Moscow.
- Russia is relocating air defense systems to protect Moscow and other key sites.
- Ukrainian drone swarms are designed to overwhelm Russian air defense systems.
- Ukraine has destroyed over 40 Russian air defense systems in 2026.
Still unconfirmed:
- Russian air defenses are not equipped to detect, track, and engage these types of attacks without a massive redesign.
- Ukrainian drones broke through three layers of Moscow air defenses.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (26)
- How Ukraine Uses A.I. to Knock Deadly Russian Drones Out of the Skies
- A Ukrainian drone team hitting targets deep inside Russia
- Ukrainian drones are cutting Russian logistics and reshaping the battlefield
- How Ukraine is breaking through defences to bring war home to Moscow
- The Secret Drone Operation That’s Changing the Ukraine War
- How Ukraine broke through Russia’s air defenses
- No fuel, no weapons: How Ukraine’s new drone strategy is mauling Russian supply lines
- How Ukraine broke through Russia’s air defenses
- How Ukraine broke through Russia's air defenses
- How Ukraine found a way through Moscow's air defences - Yahoo
- How Ukraine managed to break through Russian air defense: Western ...
- How Ukraine broke through Russia's air defenses