Russia, Ukraine Trade Strikes Amid Kyiv Missile Barrage

Russia intensified its aerial campaign against Kyiv, launching multiple missile and drone attacks, including a recent strike that killed at least 31 people. In response, Ukraine has escalated drone strikes targeting Russian military and industrial facilities, with hits confirmed on an Iranian-made Shahed drone storage site and the Elektropribor plant in Penza, causing at least three Russian fatalities. Russia has also increased its deployment of Shahed-type drones, with July seeing a record number used in attacks. Despite the heightened assault, Ukrainian air defenses have improved, intercepting a greater share of incoming threats, including three out of eight Russian Iskander-K missiles in a recent barrage over Kyiv. Both sides continue to exchange strikes, resulting in ongoing civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. Leaders are actively discussing ways to further strengthen Ukraine's air defense capabilities.