A summary of the critical happenings on day 1,244 of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Here’s the latest update as of Tuesday, July 22, 2025:
Combat Situation
- A significant Russian drone and missile strike on Kyiv resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to 15 others, including a young child, as reported by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
- The assault caused extensive destruction, notably when a drone hit the entrance of a subway station in the Shevchenkivskyi district, a popular shelter for citizens during such attacks.
- Ukraine’s Air Force indicated that the overnight operation involved the launch of 426 drones and 24 missiles, marking one of the largest aerial assaults by Russia in recent months.
- In a separate Russian drone strike in the northeastern Sumy region, 11 people, including a five-year-old boy, were injured, according to regional governor Oleh Hryhorov.
- Ukraine’s defense forces stated they managed to intercept or jam 224 Russian aerial threats, with an additional 203 drones going off the radar.
- The Russian Ministry of Defence announced that their air defense systems successfully shot down 132 Ukrainian drones on Monday.
- Yevgeny Balitsky, the governor of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhia region, reported that remnants of Ukrainian drones fell on a kindergarten and a fire station in Berdyansk, although no casualties were recorded.
Military Support
- Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store announced that Norway is prepared to assist in financing the deployment of US Patriot missile systems to enhance Ukraine’s air defense capabilities during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin.
- According to Dutch media outlet De Telegraaf, the Netherlands is set to make a “substantial contribution” towards the shipment of Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, as stated by the country’s Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans.
- Zelenskyy expressed on X that the decision by French manufacturers to commence drone production in Ukraine is of great significance.
- Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal emphasized the need for $6 billion to bridge the defense procurement deficit during an online conference with Western partners.
- The Ukraine Defence Contact Group convened, with high-ranking military donors to Kyiv led by UK Defense Secretary John Healey, alongside his German counterpart Boris Pistorius. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and NATO leader Mark Rutte were also present.
Diplomacy and Politics
- New negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are set to occur in Turkiye on Wednesday, as announced by Zelenskyy in his daily address, with additional details to follow.
- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov remarked on Monday about the considerable diplomatic efforts required to reach a resolution with Kyiv to end the conflict.
- During a surprise visit to Kyiv, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot reaffirmed France’s unwavering support for Ukraine.
- Ukraine’s security agencies apprehended an official from the National Anti-Corruption Bureau on espionage charges related to Russia.
- The Royal Palace of Caserta in Italy canceled a concert featuring Russian conductor Valery Gergiev, a known supporter of President Vladimir Putin, following significant outcry from Ukraine and its allies.