In the early hours of July 9, 2025, Kyiv was engulfed in the most prolonged barrage of drone and missile fire since the full-scale war began—nearly ten hours of relentless assault that shattered the calm and sent thousands scrambling for shelter. Vladimir Putin’s forces launched the strike despite a stark warning from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had recently condemned Russia’s aggression. [UNILAD]
Trump had publicly declared at a White House meeting earlier that week, “We get a lot of bulls—t thrown at us by Putin … but it turns out to be meaningless.” Even so, Russia unleashed its most intense aerial campaign yet—deploying at least 728 drones and 13 missiles across multiple Ukrainian regions. [The Guardian]
In Kyiv, the overnight onslaught triggered air raid sirens citywide. Explosions echoed from east to west, with residential buildings and school campuses sustaining heavy damage. At least two civilians perished, and over twenty others were wounded, including a 22-year-old police corporal caught in the blast. [The Washington Post]
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy described it as “an obvious escalation of terror.” He immediately called for stronger sanctions and urgent deployment of advanced air defenses from Western allies. [The Guardian]
The attack marked a shocking escalation from the July 4 wave of 539 drones and 11 missiles — just days earlier — raising fears of an impending shift toward daily bombardment. [New York Post]
On X, users shared the horror:
CiviWarrior: > “Loudest barrage yet. My kid was crying in the hallway. Kyiv should not be this exposed.”
KyivMayorLife: > “Sirens 10 hours straight—it felt like the end. Need more patriots. Need more support.”
Russia claimed it was targeting military bases and airfields, but civilian areas in Lutsk, Ternopil, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Kyiv were hit as well. Poland scrambled NATO jets in response when debris crossed its airspace. [New York Post]
When asked to respond, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed Trump’s remarks, saying Moscow was “quite calm” and that “diplomacy continues.” [CBS News]
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Rubio, attending the ASEAN summit, reaffirmed America is prepared to impose further sanctions if Russia continues:** “No signs of compromise—sanctions remain an option.”** [Washington Post]
On X, Zelenskyy also reacted:
ZelenskyyUa: > “This is terror, clear as day. Our defenders will shoot down every drone. But supplies are needed NOW.”
That same evening, Kyiv’s air defenses intercepted 718 of the incoming drones or missiles. Yet pieces still landed, causing fires at schools and residential blocks. [The Guardian]
The blaze in Lutsk drew immediate NATO concern. One user tweeted:
LutskCityGuard: > “Schools burnt overnight. This is a war crime. Allies must act NOW.”
Ukraine responded with strikes on Russian territory, and Zelenskyy held high-level talks with U.S. envoys plus European leaders at a conference in Rome. They discussed ramping up air-defense exports—including systems like IRIS-T and NASAMS. [The Guardian]
This attack represents Putin’s most daring tactic yet: timing a grinding 10-hour aerial blitz just hours after Trump’s firestorm of criticism. Analysts say it signals that Moscow feels emboldened, testing global resolve. [UNILAD]
On X, the debate burst into flames:
GeoPoliticalEye: > “Putin is sending a message: ignore our brutality at your own risk.”
DefenseWatch: > “If Kyiv falls, NATO must step in. This isn’t containment anymore.”
Resistance is mounting in the West. Congress is reportedly nearing bipartisan approval for new sanctions targeting Russia’s energy sector, including a bill sponsored by Senator Lindsey Graham. [Washington Post]
The explosion of this 10-hour barrage also spotlighted Ukraine’s air-defense shortcomings. Former NATO commander James Stavridis told The Washington Post, “Ukraine needs layered defense—incoming drones don’t stop at patriot batteries.”
Even Trump, in a statement shared on X, offered mixed words:
realDonaldTrump: > “Putin shot down our warnings — shame on him. But Ukraine must take care of its own skies.”
The White House confirmed—under Trump’s directive—further military shipments are underway, including Patriot systems relocated from German reserves pending Congressional approval. [Washington Post]
At dawn, Kyiv’s streets were littered with drone fragments and soot-streaked rubble. A mother with a wounded child told local reporters, “I don’t know where we go from here.” [The Guardian]
For many analysts, this attack may mark a turning point—a sign that Putin believes Trump’s red lines hold no teeth, and is doubling down on a strategy of shock and awe. NATO is now reviewing its rapid-response plan, citing “unacceptable escalation.” [New York Post]
