News Desk: In one of the most massive aerial assaults since the war began, Russia struck Ukraine with a staggering 728 drones and 13 missiles on Wednesday, prompting a sharp response from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and renewed international attention on the conflict.
The strike — which came just a day after former U.S. President Donald Trump vowed to boost military aid to Kyiv — targeted multiple Ukrainian cities, including Lutsk, the epicenter of the onslaught, as well as regions such as Dnipro, Zhytomyr, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Kharkiv, and more.
Taking to social media platform X, President Zelenskyy described it as “a new massive Russian attack on our cities,” calling it the largest aerial offensive to date, with 741 total aerial threats, including over 300 Shahed drones and hypersonic Kinzhal and Iskander missiles.
“Dozens of enemy targets were shot down by interceptor drones and mobile fire units,” Zelenskyy said, praising the precision of Ukrainian defenders.
He confirmed that air defense efforts are ongoing, as emergency crews work across the country to repair damage and restore essential services.
A new massive Russian attack on our cities. It was the highest number of aerial targets in a single day: 741 targets – 728 drones of various types, including over 300 shaheds, and 13 missiles – Kinzhals and Iskanders. Most of the targets were shot down. Our interceptor drones… pic.twitter.com/Lxa5TdYVXT
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 9, 2025
Trump’s Timely Pledge: More Weapons for Ukraine
Amid the renewed barrage, Donald Trump, who is seeking re-election, said Monday that the U.S. will send additional defensive weapons to Ukraine.
“We’re going to send some more weapons. We have to. They have to be able to defend themselves,” Trump said during a White House event, as quoted by CBS News.
The statement came as a symbolic show of support, though some analysts see it as a direct message to Moscow.
UNHCR Steps Up: Over 40,000 War-Damaged Homes Repaired
As the war grinds into its fourth year, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) announced a milestone in its humanitarian mission — it has now repaired over 40,000 homes damaged by Russian attacks, offering a lifeline to displaced Ukrainians.
According to a recent assessment, 13% of Ukraine’s housing stock has been affected since the invasion began, impacting 2.5 million families.
“These are not just buildings – they are cherished homes full of memories,” said Karolina Lindholm Billing, UNHCR’s representative in Ukraine.
Since July 2022, the agency has invested over $114 million in durable housing solutions, ranging from full reconstruction to emergency shelter and basic repairs.
As Ukraine braces for further assaults, both military and humanitarian responses continue to evolve — with drones in the sky, tools on the ground, and diplomacy in the headlines.
