Russia’s war machine roared to life overnight, hammering Ukraine with an unprecedented barrage of drones and missiles. The assault, a grim escalation in Moscow’s campaign, targeted cities and regions across Ukraine, forcing even NATO ally Poland to scramble jets in response. This isn’t just another skirmish—it’s a loud reminder of Russia’s refusal to back down.
Fox News reports that in a single night, Russia unleashed 728 drones, including over 300 Shaheds, and 13 missiles, such as Kinzhals and Iskanders, primarily aimed at Lutsk in northwestern Ukraine. Ukraine’s Air Force, showing steely resolve, neutralized 718 of these threats, with 303 shot down and 415 lost to tracking. The sheer scale of the attack, which hit on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, underscores Moscow’s relentless aggression.
Ukraine’s defenses didn’t just sit idly by. Interceptor drones and mobile fire groups took out dozens of targets, while firefighters in the Kyiv region battled blazes sparked by the onslaught. Yet, damage spread across Dnipro, Zhytomyr, Kyiv, and seven other regions, proving Russia’s aim to cripple Ukraine’s spirit as much as its infrastructure.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called it a “new massive Russian attack on our cities,” noting the use of advanced drones and missiles. He praised Ukraine’s defenders, saying, “Most of the targets were shot down.” But let’s not kid ourselves—Zelenskyy’s optimism can’t erase the reality of Russia’s deep pockets and deeper resolve to keep this war grinding.
Zelenskyy went on, touting “interceptor drones” and “mobile fire groups” that “downed dozens” of threats. That’s impressive, sure, but it’s a Band-Aid on a gaping wound. Ukraine’s scrambling to keep up, and Russia’s betting on overwhelming them with sheer numbers.
The Ukrainian leader didn’t stop at military talk—he took a swipe at Russia’s oil-fueled war chest. “This is yet another proof of the need for sanctions–biting sanctions against oil,” he said. Nice sentiment, but sanctions haven’t exactly brought Moscow to its knees, have they? The West’s half-measures keep Russia’s tanks rolling.
Poland, Ukraine’s neighbor and a NATO stalwart, didn’t sit on the sidelines. The Polish military, sensing the chaos next door, scrambled fighter jets and cranked ground defenses to high alert. Their statement was clear: “All available forces” were ready to protect Polish airspace from any spillover.
“Ukraine, Polish and allied aviation has begun operating in our airspace,” the military announced. That’s NATO flexing its muscles, a signal to Russia that the West isn’t just watching. But let’s be real—scrambling jets is one thing; staring down Putin’s war machine is another.
By morning, Poland stood down its aviation operations, citing a “reduced level of threat” from Russian strikes. The quick de-escalation shows NATO’s caution—nobody wants this conflict spilling over borders. Still, Poland’s response proves the war’s ripples are felt far beyond Ukraine’s front lines.
Zelenskyy didn’t miss a chance to play the peace card, claiming Russia’s attack came “precisely at a time when so many efforts have been made to achieve peace.” He’s not wrong—ceasefire talks have been floating around. But Russia’s 728-drone answer shows Putin’s more interested in bombs than olive branches.
“Everyone who wants peace must act,” Zelenskyy urged. It’s a noble call, but the West’s obsession with diplomacy over decisive action has left Ukraine dodging drones while Russia reloads. Woke platitudes about “peace” won’t stop Kinzhals from flying.
Zelenskyy doubled down, pushing for “secondary sanctions” on those buying Russia’s oil. He’s got a point—cut the cash, cripple the Kremlin. But the global appetite for cheap oil keeps Moscow’s war machine humming, and don’t expect that to change while politicians prioritize votes over values.
Despite the onslaught, Ukraine’s defenders showed grit, downing hundreds of drones and missiles. The use of interceptor drones signals Kyiv’s adaptation to Russia’s tactics, even if it’s a step behind. That resilience is worth admiring, even if the West’s support often feels like thoughts and prayers.
Damage reports paint a grim picture—ten regions hit, from Kharkiv to Chernihiv. Yet, firefighters in Kyiv doused flames, and life goes on. Ukraine’s people aren’t just surviving; they’re fighting back with a defiance that shames the West’s tepid response.
Russia’s attack, timed to disrupt peace efforts, is a stark reminder: Moscow plays by its own rules. While Zelenskyy begs for sanctions and NATO scrambles jets, the war grinds on, fueled by oil money and apathy. If the West wants peace, it’ll take more than words—it’ll take spine.
