In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russia launched a massive missile attack on Ukraine overnight into Sunday, marking one of the most intense assaults since the full-scale invasion began over four years ago. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that the offensive involved more than 40 ballistic missiles and 120 attack drones, highlighting the severe challenges Ukraine faces in defending against such high-speed threats.

Ballistic missiles, due to their velocity, are notoriously difficult to intercept, and Ukraine’s supply of U.S.-made Patriot interceptors, its primary defense mechanism, is critically low. Following the attack, Ukrainian officials reiterated urgent calls for additional interceptors and stronger sanctions against Moscow. Zelenskyy emphasized the necessity of daily interceptor supplies, stating, “Protection against ballistic missiles is our constant and top priority right now.”

Acting Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the assault as the largest ballistic attack of the conflict. However, Ukraine’s air force noted it as one of the largest, marking the fourth substantial strike on Kyiv in the past five weeks. They successfully intercepted 18 out of 41 missiles and neutralized nearly all on a ballistic path. The strikes inflicted damage on residential areas, a supermarket, and a dormitory in Kyiv, resulting in at least one fatality and 15 injuries, according to city officials.

Russia’s defense ministry claimed the strikes targeted defense industry sites and logistics hubs in Kyiv. The shortage of interceptors has been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict with Iran, which has depleted U.S. and allied Patriot reserves. Zelenskyy has indicated that Ukraine requires 300 Patriots for the upcoming winter. Although U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to allow Ukraine to manufacture these missiles under license, the agreement remains pending.

On July 13, nine European nations pledged support for Ukraine’s initiative to develop a domestic anti-ballistic system, with France authorizing Ukraine to produce its Aster interceptors. Concurrently, Ukrainian officials urged the European Union to resolve its impasse over a new sanctions package. Sybiha stressed the importance of continuous sanctions and isolation of Russia, criticizing Moscow’s leadership for avoiding peace talks while perpetuating violence against civilians.

The EU has struggled to finalize its 21st sanctions package against Russia, facing resistance from Austria and Greece over unrelated issues. The package, which aims to blacklist 250 individuals linked to the war and target additional banks and vessels involved in Russian oil smuggling, is set for another round of discussions. Meanwhile, Ukraine has maintained its offensive on Russia’s energy sector, with Zelenskyy announcing strikes on oil depots in Russia’s Stavropol region and targeting tankers in the Black Sea.

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