Ukraine Faces Russia’s Most Intense Air Attack Yet
content-team
July 10, 2025
Russia’s Largest Aerial Offensive Rocks Ukraine
On December 29, 2023, Russia launched its biggest air assault on Ukraine since the start of its full-scale invasion in early 2022. The assault deployed over 120 missiles and dozens of drones targeting major Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, Dnipro, Odesa, Lviv, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia. The strikes caused widespread destruction, hitting residential neighborhoods, hospitals, schools, and critical infrastructure.
Heavy Casualties and Widespread Damage
The impact on civilians was devastating. Kyiv alone saw at least 23 fatalities, with many more injured. In Dnipro, six people—including a child and a police officer—lost their lives, and dozens were wounded. Odesa and Lviv also suffered casualties alongside significant property damage. Hundreds of homes and multi-story buildings were destroyed or damaged, displacing thousands.
Ukrainian Defenses Tested to the Limit
While Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted a large number of incoming missiles, the sheer volume of the assault overwhelmed protective measures. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack as a deliberate assault on civilians and stressed the urgent need for enhanced air defense systems.
Global Community Denounces the Attacks
The international community reacted swiftly with condemnation. Leaders from the United States, the United Kingdom, and other nations reiterated their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and called for continued aid to help Ukraine withstand Russian aggression.
Rebuilding Amid Ongoing Conflict
Months later, the aftermath of the attack remains a painful reality for many Ukrainians. Reconstruction is underway, but the destruction underscores the ongoing vulnerability of civilian areas. Ukraine continues to seek international assistance to rebuild and to bolster defenses to protect its people.
This massive air offensive stands as a grim marker of the conflict’s toll but also highlights Ukraine’s enduring spirit in the face of relentless attacks.
