Russia has launched its largest airstrike since the war began, launching 741 drones and missiles into Ukraine in the early hours of July 9.
The attack targeted several major cities, with the city of Lutsk in the Volyn region being the worst-hit with more than 50 drones and five missiles detected in the city's airspace, described as the "most devastating attack" to date.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, the attack involved 728 Shahed attack drones, seven Kh-101 and Iskander-K cruise missiles, and six Kinzhal hypersonic missiles.
Of those, 296 drones and all of the cruise missiles were successfully intercepted, while 415 drones were reported missing from radar.
Following this situation, President Donald Trump said the United States is now "re-examining" Ukraine's request for additional Patriot air defense systems.
Reports say Washington is working on a new weapons package with Germany and other European countries to support Ukraine's defense.
In related developments, Ukraine's 3rd Assault Brigade reported a unique tactical success when Russian troops surrendered to ground drones and robotics for the first time without infantry involvement, in an operation in the Kharkiv region.
On the European level, Slovakia continues to block the European Union's 18th package of sanctions against Russia, citing the need for further clarification on the financial implications of the RePowerEU program.
The attacks and developments reflect a more complex and high-risk phase of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, with technology and long-range attacks becoming a major focus for both sides.
