Ukraine and Russia Exchange Massive Drone and Missile Strikes

Russia and Ukraine engaged in a severe escalation of long-range strikes between July 11 and 13, 2026. Russian forces launched waves of ballistic missiles and drones across Ukraine, targeting Kyiv, Odesa, Sumy, and Kharkiv. These attacks killed at least 13 people, including five in Sumy where glide bombs hit a crowded area. In Kyiv, Russian missiles targeted the SkyFall drone factory shortly after a visit by U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded by calling for faster delivery of Western weapons and announced that the U.S. had agreed to license the domestic production of Patriot interceptor missiles in Ukraine. Simultaneously, Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces executed a massive maritime campaign in the Sea of Azov, striking 105 Russian-linked vessels over eight days. These attacks targeted the Russian shadow fleet's tankers and ferries, forcing Russia to suspend shipping through the Kerch Strait and the Don-Azov Canal.

Ukrainian long-range drones also struck the Syzran oil refinery in Samara and the Moscow region, where a strike in Pionersky killed three people. Russia retaliated with AI-powered Geran-4 drones against the port of Chornomorsk, destroying logistics centers and vessels. The conflict intensified as a Coalition of the Willing met in Paris to pressure Russia to end the war, while Germany funded 50,000 Shrike drones for Ukrainian forces.