Russia launched more than 344 Iranian-made Shahed drones and over 30 missiles overnight, targeting multiple Ukrainian regions. Air defense forces intercepted a majority of the threats, but deadly impacts in Odesa and Sumy left casualties and infrastructure damage. President Zelensky urged swift international military support and weapons production cooperation.
Ukraine endured a massive aerial assault overnight as Russia launched 344 Shahed-type drones alongside ballistic and cruise missiles across several cities. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense confirmed that air defenders successfully shot down 185 UAVs, seven Iskander-M ballistic missiles, seven Iskander-K cruise missiles, and nine Kh-101 missiles.
Additionally, electronic warfare countermeasures caused the loss of 129 drones and seven more cruise missiles.
— Ukrainian Ministry of Defense
Multiple Regions Hit, Civilian Casualties Reported
President Volodymyr Zelensky provided further updates on the aftermath of the attack. Rescue efforts are ongoing in regions including Donetsk, Kirovohrad, Dnipro, Sumy, Kherson, Volyn, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv, Odesa, and Zhytomyr.
Sumy’s critical infrastructure was reportedly struck, leaving thousands of households without electricity. The town of Shostka experienced a combination of missile and drone strikes. In Odesa, six people — including a child — were injured in an apartment building hit by debris. Tragically, one person was killed in the city.
Missiles also targeted Pavlohrad, damaging both homes and vital infrastructure.
— President Volodymyr Zelensky
President Zelensky’s Appeal for Immediate Military Aid
Zelensky stressed the urgency of ramping up joint weapons production and the delivery of air defense systems, including missiles and interceptor drones, to ensure Ukraine’s ability to defend its skies.
Last night, our warriors repelled another Russian attack. More than 300 strike drones and over 30 missiles were launched. Target elimination is still ongoing. Critical infrastructure was damaged, and lives were lost. Watch the update: pic.twitter.com/NTdcOUj2kO
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 18, 2025
Ongoing Situation
The Ukrainian military remains on alert as additional drones remained in the air during the initial hours after the assault. Local authorities are working to restore power, evacuate civilians, and repair damage across the affected zones.
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