Russia Launches Largest Drone and Missile Attack on Ukraine Since 2022 Invasion

On June 29, 2025, Russia conducted its most extensive aerial assault on Ukraine since the 2022 invasion, deploying 477 drones and decoys alongside 60 missiles targeting cities including Kyiv, Lviv, and Kharkiv. Despite Ukraine’s successful interceptions, strikes caused civilian casualties and significant damage to infrastructure and residential areas. Ukrainian F-16 pilot Maksym Ustymenko died during defense efforts, prompting an investigation. In response, Ukraine initiated withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention on antipersonnel mines due to Russia’s widespread use of mines affecting civilians and soldiers. The attack underscores the urgent need for enhanced Western air defense support amid stalled peace negotiations.

Background & Context

The ongoing Russia Ukraine war, which intensified following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, is marked by extensive use of drones and missile strikes causing significant damage and casualties across Ukraine. In response, Ukraine heavily depends on Western military support, particularly in bolstering its air defense systems to counter the increasing Russian aerial assaults. The conflict’s complexity is further highlighted by the widespread deployment of landmines, prompting Ukraine and several European nations to reevaluate their commitments to international treaties banning antipersonnel mines, reflecting evolving defense strategies amid wartime conditions.

Despite sustained military engagements and ongoing airstrikes, recent peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine have stalled, failing to secure a ceasefire due to mutual mistrust and unresolved political issues. The humanitarian toll remains high, with civilian populations enduring escalating violence and significant hardships. This situation has galvanized international concern and reinforced calls for increased military aid to Ukraine alongside intensified sanctions against Russia, while Ukrainian civilians demonstrate remarkable resilience amid the prolonged conflict.

Key Developments & Timeline

The Russia Ukraine war escalated sharply in late June 2025 with unprecedented aerial assaults and critical shifts in military and diplomatic postures, intensifying Russia NATO tensions and raising global security concerns.

June 28, 2025: Russian forces unleashed their largest aerial bombardment since 2022, deploying over 500 drones and missiles targeting multiple Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, Cherkasy, Lviv, Poltava, Kharkiv, Kherson, and Mykolaiv. The massive strike caused widespread civilian casualties and significant infrastructure damage.
June 29, 2025: Ukrainian F-16 pilot Maksym Ustymenko was killed defending against the intense aerial attack during an air defense engagement, prompting an official investigation. On the same day, Ukraine announced the formal process to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention on anti-personnel landmines, citing Russia’s extensive use of mines in the conflict.
Recent Months: Several European countries also declared plans to withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty, motivated by security concerns arising from Russia’s pervasive deployment of landmines in the war zones.
Ongoing: Diplomatic talks between Russia and Ukraine remain stalled despite the severe escalation of hostilities. Ukraine continues to call for enhanced air defense systems and increased military support from the United States and European allies to counter the growing Russian military buildup.

The intensity of Russian missile attacks and drone warfare marks a dangerous phase of the Russia Ukraine war latest update. The sustained bombardments contradict Moscow’s prior claims of seeking peace talks, further complicating prospects for resolution and fueling fears about possible nuclear escalation amid the conflict’s evolving dynamics.

Official Statements & Analysis

On June 29, 2025, the Russia Ukraine war escalated sharply as Russia launched its largest aerial assault since the 2022 invasion, deploying 477 drones and decoys alongside 60 missiles targeting numerous Ukrainian cities including Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv, and others. Despite Ukraine’s effective air defenses, the strikes caused significant civilian casualties, infrastructure damage, and impacted critical industrial facilities. Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat described this as “the most massive air strike Ukraine has faced since the invasion began.” Tragically, Ukrainian F-16 pilot Maksym Ustymenko lost his life defending the skies, underlining the human cost of ongoing Russian missile attacks.

Ukraine’s decision to begin withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention banning antipersonnel mines reflects strategic adjustments given Russia’s extensive use of mines against both military and civilian targets, as noted by Roman Kostenko. This move aligns with similar actions by other European countries facing similar threats. President Zelenskyy emphasized the relentless nature of Russian strikes, stating “Moscow will not stop as long as it has the capability to launch massive strikes,” and called for increased Western air defense support to counter these growing threats.

These developments highlight the urgent need for maintaining emergency preparedness, including access to shelters and medical supplies, and underscore the continued risks posed by drone and missile warfare within the evolving hybrid conflict landscape. The scale and intensity of Russia’s air strikes also challenge diplomatic narratives about peace prospects, emphasizing that military pressures and civilian safety remain critical concerns in the ongoing Russia NATO tensions and broader regional security environment.

Conclusion

The Russia Ukraine war saw a dramatic escalation on June 29, 2025, with Russia launching its largest aerial offensive since the invasion began, targeting multiple Ukrainian cities and causing civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. Despite Ukraine’s effective air defenses, the scale of the attack underscores ongoing military intensity and challenges claims of peace readiness. Ukraine’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention reflects strategic shifts in response to Russia’s extensive use of mines. As drone and missile threats persist, the need for enhanced Western air defense support remains critical. The continuation of this conflict signals worsening humanitarian conditions and the urgency for sustained international diplomatic and military efforts to achieve resolution.

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