Escalation of Drone Strikes in Ukraine Raises International Security Concerns

Santu das

 |   04 Jul 2025 |    33
Culttoday

Recent Russian drone and missile strikes have intensified across Ukraine, with Kyiv experiencing one of the most severe assaults in late June. More than 20 civilians were injured in a large-scale aerial attack operated via drones and missiles. Ukrainian authorities confirmed that on June 29 alone, Russia deployed 477 drones and 60 missiles in a coordinated operation, hitting several cities including Kyiv, Lviv, and Kherson. According to Ukraine’s Air Force, it was the largest overnight assault since the war began in 2022.

The escalation in Russian drone strikes in Kyiv is supported by data released by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence. The number of aerial assaults has grown steadily, with Ukrainian cities experiencing near-daily sirens. Over 6,000 drone and missile attacks have been recorded this year alone, with a high concentration of strikes in the capital and front-line regions. The majority of drones used are Iranian-designed Shahed-136 units, which Russia has begun manufacturing locally under a license since late 2023. Ukrainian air defense systems have succeeded in intercepting a large proportion of these drones, but with only partial effectiveness due to a lack of resources.

In June alone, more than 70 civilians were killed and at least 250 sustained injuries across various regions. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine reported infrastructure losses in the June 29 attack, including damage to two hospitals, several schools, and dozens of apartment buildings. Power outages occurred in over 590 towns and villages, affecting the delivery of water, heating, and telecommunications. On June 29, Ukrainian forces destroyed 211 drones and 38 missiles using systems such as the US-made Patriot, the German IRIS-T, and Norwegian NASAMS platforms. F-16 fighter jets were also deployed in active defense roles. However, the Ukrainian Air Force confirmed the death of Lt. Col. Maksym Ustymenko, who was killed after reportedly downing multiple drones before being shot down himself.

NATO's reaction to Russia’s attacks has included increased investment in drone detection technologies and the training of Ukrainian personnel in counter-drone and defense tactics. Germany has pledged an additional €1.2 billion in military aid, including radar systems and drones for surveillance. The UK has expanded its training program for Ukrainian operators of advanced counter-drone systems, while Baltic states have deployed additional air surveillance units along NATO's eastern flank. Poland and Romania have deployed additional fighter patrols following several unauthorized drone crossings near their borders.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and its partners have provided mobile medical clinics, emergency shelters, and essential supplies in the wake of recent attacks. UNICEF has launched emergency education programs for displaced children, and the World Health Organization is coordinating hospital transfers for patients affected by attacks on healthcare facilities. The United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine has expanded its operations and is currently investigating over 180 drone-related incidents that may constitute war crimes. In early July, the UN General Assembly put forth a resolution condemning attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The UN Security Council has not passed binding resolutions due to Russia's veto power, but member states have increased pressure through the General Assembly and Human Rights Council.

Ukraine is facing challenges due to the continuous destruction of infrastructure. The World Bank estimates that the cost of rebuilding facilities damaged in drone and missile strikes in 2025 alone could exceed $3 billion. The Ukrainian economy, already under strain from decreased exports and labor shortages, has issued a large portion of its budget to defense. Despite financial aid from the EU and International Monetary Fund, reconstruction remains slow due to the constant security risks. The government has urged foreign supporters to provide not only military hardware but also longer-term investment in energy infrastructure and housing.

Russia’s use of drone warfare on Ukraine signals further trouble and conflict, continuing to endanger civilian lives and destabilize urban centers. As Ukrainian air defense systems struggle to keep pace, the burden falls on NATO and the UN to strengthen protection, enforce international law, and deter further escalation of hostilities.

Dhanishtha De is a trainee journalist at Cult Current. The views expressed in the article are
her ownand do not necessarily reflect the official stance of Cult Current.


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