Kyiv attacked in largest strike yet as Ukraine hits back at Russia with drones

In one of the most extensive overnight aerial confrontations of the war, Russian air defence units reportedly shot down 42 Ukrainian drones across several regions, including two near the country’s second-largest city, St. Petersburg, officials said on Saturday, 5 July 2025.

As reported by The Hindu, citing AP and Reuters, Leningrad Governor Alexander Drozdenko confirmed that the drones were intercepted in separate districts south of the city, leading to a brief suspension of operations at Pulkovo airport. No casualties or damage were reported. In the western Smolensk region, three drones were downed, and in the border region of Voronezh, authorities said “several” drones were destroyed.

Russia’s Defence Ministry stated that 37 of the 42 drones were intercepted in the Belgorod, Bryansk, and Kursk regions, all of which lie along the Ukrainian border. Ukraine has escalated the use of drones in recent months to strike deep into Russian territory, including last month’s coordinated “Spider’s Web” operation that targeted multiple air bases.

The drone interceptions coincided with Russia’s largest aerial assault on Kyiv since the invasion began over three years ago. According to Ukraine’s air force, 550 drones and missiles were launched overnight on 3 July, most of them Shahed drones, along with 11 missiles.

Ukraine: Kyiv faces Russia's largest missile, drone barrage since war began

The seven-hour bombardment caused widespread destruction across Kyiv, with one death and at least 26 people injured, including a child. Over 300 tons of debris were cleared by emergency services.

In the aftermath, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a statement that he had a “very important and productive” phone call with US President Donald Trump.

The Hindu also reported that the two leaders discussed strengthening Ukraine’s air defences, possible joint arms production, and international efforts to end the war. Zelenskyy also raised the need for US-Ukraine cooperation in drone technology and congratulated Trump on US Independence Day.

While the US has paused some military aid shipments, Ukraine is seeking to build its domestic defence manufacturing capacity. A future meeting between US and Ukrainian teams is expected to explore deeper collaboration on defence and procurement. The White House has yet to comment on the call.