Against the backdrop of the fateful NATO summit, Euro-Atlantic security continues to be tested for strength in the fields and skies of Ukraine. The past day was marked by a record number of combat clashes on the front line and another massive night attack by the enemy on peaceful cities. At the same time, the Ukrainian Defense Forces demonstrated their ability to carry out deep retaliatory strikes, striking military and logistical facilities in the rear of the Russian Federation. The analytical service of the information portal 34.ua reports on the operational situation on the front, the consequences of enemy strikes, and the international context .
Shelling of the capital and attacks on the Russian oil infrastructure: the main events of the day
The confrontation in the air is becoming increasingly uncompromising. While Ukrainian air defenses repelled massive attacks inside the country, Ukrainian drones transferred combat operations to the aggressor’s territory:
Drone terror against Kyiv and Kharkiv: on the night of July 8, Russia launched 169 strike drones and a series of ballistic missiles into Ukraine. Air defense forces and mobile fire groups managed to suppress and shoot down 139 UAVs. Fires broke out in Kyiv as a result of falling debris, unfortunately, a woman died . The tram depot on Borshchahivka suffered serious damage, where more than 40 units of transport were damaged. Residential buildings in Kharkiv and an energy facility in Poltava region were also hit by rocket strikes.
Cotton in Saratov and Borisoglebsk: the Ukrainian response was immediate and targeted. As a result of the attack by domestic UAVs, a large-scale fire broke out at the oil refinery (REF) in Saratov, which supplied fuel to the occupation forces. In addition, explosions thundered in the area of the military airfield “Borisoglebsk” in the Voronezh region. Due to the threat of new strikes at Moscow airports, the “Carpet” plan was introduced.
Record tension on the contact line: according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 271 combat clashes were recorded in a day – one of the highest figures in recent times. The occupiers launched the most large-scale assaults in the Lymansky, Pokrovsky and Kupyansky directions. During the day, the enemy lost 1,260 people and 61 artillery systems.
Expert opinions
Mykhailo Volkov, military-political analyst, security expert: “We see an obvious pattern: Russia always tries to raise the stakes and intensify the terror of the civilian population precisely during key international events, such as the NATO summit. The current strikes on Kyiv and Kharkiv are an attempt to intimidate the West. However, the systematic flights over the Saratov Oil Refinery prove that Ukraine’s strategy of an asymmetric response is working flawlessly. We are methodically destroying Russian oil logistics and military airfields, bleeding the invader’s army in the rear, which should ultimately stabilize the front in the East.”
Anna Dmytrenko, independent lawyer, specialist in international humanitarian law: “Targeted strikes on residential areas of Kharkiv, the capital’s tram depot and critical energy infrastructure facilities are classic war crimes that have no military expediency. Each such case is recorded by the Prosecutor General’s Office for transfer to the International Criminal Court in The Hague. On the other hand, legal sanctions from Europe and the United States are becoming increasingly stringent. Financing a new European missile program for $50 billion is the legal and financial response of the European community to the long-term aggression, which consolidates the long-term status of support for Ukraine.”
Practical recommendations for residents of Dnipro and the region:
Do not ignore the alarm signals: the increase in the number of combat clashes on the front and the active use of ballistics by the enemy indicate a high threat of sudden strikes on rear cities, in particular on the Dnieper. At the first siren signals, head for cover or follow the two-wall rule.
Maintain information hygiene: during massive attacks, the enemy actively spreads panic fakes in Telegram channels about “front breakthroughs” or “total blackout”. Trust only verified sources (Official channels of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Air Force). It is strictly forbidden to publish photos and videos of our air defense work.
Build individual energy independence reserves: as the enemy continues to target energy facilities in Poltava region and neighboring regions, the country’s power system is under constant stress. Check the operability of power banks, stock up on technical and drinking water, and keep rechargeable flashlights charged.