Overview
- Early on July 6, Kyiv was hit by a large-scale attack that Ukrainian officials said used ballistic missiles together with cruise missiles and dozens of drones, triggering explosions, air-raid alerts, building damage and reported civilian casualties.
- President Volodymyr Zelensky warned the day before that intelligence showed Russia preparing a new massive strike and pressed allies to speed delivery or licensing of Patriot interceptor missiles to stop fast ballistic and jet-powered drone threats.
- Frontline fighting for the eastern town of Kostiantynivka remains contested with Russia claiming capture and Ukrainian commanders saying they still hold lines and are conducting counter-operations.
- Kyiv continued reciprocal long-range strikes into Russian-held areas, reporting hits on Crimea’s Hvardiiske airfield, ammunition depots and multiple power substations that Ukrainian forces say caused blackouts on the peninsula.
- The attacks coincide with intense diplomacy — including recent calls between President Trump, Zelensky and Putin — and are set to shape talks at the NATO summit as allies face pressure to supply more interceptors and replenish air-defence stocks.