Volodymyr Zelensky reports Ukraine's highest civilian death toll in over four years as Russian aerial campaign intensifies
Ukraine has recorded its deadliest month for civilians since April 2022, with at least 377 people killed and 2,129 injured during July. The high casualty rate is attributed to a heavy barrage of ballistic missiles and drones, which have targeted residential areas, supermarkets, and schools across the country. Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia utilized nearly 1,700 drones and over 1,630 guided aerial bombs in a single week, emphasizing the need for more Patriot and other air defense systems to intercept these difficult-to-catch weapons. The Russian aerial campaign has also spilled over into neighboring countries, causing repeated airspace violations in Romania and Moldova. The United Kingdom has warned the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe that Russia's reckless behavior increases the risk of wider escalation across Europe. While Ukraine continues to strike Russian energy infrastructure, Russia has retaliated by attacking fuel stations and ports, leading to a stabilization of the fuel crisis in some areas.