Overview
- Over the weekend of July 4–5, Ukrainian and Russian forces exchanged very large drone and missile raids with Kyiv reporting thousands of incoming attack drones, guided bombs and rockets while Ukraine’s air-defence command said it neutralised 115 of 129 drones in one large night raid.
- Ukraine said its forces struck deep targets on the night of July 5, including the Gvardiyske airfield in occupied Crimea, multiple ammunition depots and bridges used for Russian logistics, reflecting a stepped‑up campaign against rear-area targets.
- The front remains highly active with the General Staff reporting 295 battlefield engagements on July 4 and continued heavy fighting across Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv and other sectors that has caused civilian deaths, injuries and infrastructure damage.
- Independent analyses cited by the Financial Times and Rochan Consulting find Ukrainian drones have hit nearly 194 Russian refineries since the start of 2026, a campaign that analysts link to fuel shortages and mounting economic strain inside Russia.
- Kyiv is urgently requesting additional interceptor missiles and air‑defence systems from partners while Western leaders urge unified political and legal pressure on Moscow, a push that could alter weapons flows and diplomatic measures in the coming weeks.