Russia launched a record number of missiles into Ukraine in July, increasing the scale and rate of its attacks to new wartime highs, according to data analyzed by ABC News from the Ukrainian air force. The surge in missile use has exacerbated Ukraine's struggle to intercept them, particularly ballistic missiles that are more difficult to shoot down.
Across July, Russia deployed 381 missiles of various types, averaging more than 12 per day, a significant increase that marks a new wartime record for both total volume and frequency. Missiles constituted a larger proportion of Russia's overall munition count in July, reaching a record high of just over 7%, according to the Ukrainian air force data.
Ukraine's most effective defense against these advanced munitions is the U.S.-made Patriot system. However, a global shortage of interceptor missiles, compounded by the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war with Iran and decisions to wind down U.S. aid, has placed severe strain on Ukraine's defensive capabilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly stated Kyiv's need for an additional 300 Patriot interceptor missiles to bolster defenses before the next winter.
While President Donald Trump initially suggested Ukraine could produce Patriot interceptors on its own soil, he later walked back this commitment, stating that granting such technology was a complex issue. Ukraine is also pursuing the development of its own interceptor missile, the Freyja, with plans for a prototype by early 2027, and collaborating with European partners on a shared anti-ballistic missile shield.
Russia's missile tactics have also evolved, with reports of missiles deploying flares to evade interceptors and Moscow frequently altering attack directions and timings. Analysts suggest Russia may be facing logistical pressures, with some ballistic missiles reportedly launched just weeks after production, potentially indicating dwindling stockpiles. The use of a North Korean ballistic missile in late July further suggests potential production constraints.
The human cost of these intensified attacks is mounting. In July, Kyiv experienced 11 combined missile and drone attacks, resulting in at least 56 deaths and 220 injuries. The last week of July alone saw two major missile attacks that killed at least 17 people. Air raid alerts often provide only two to four minutes of warning, insufficient time for residents to reach shelters, and missiles have increasingly struck residential buildings alongside infrastructure and military targets.
The damage from ballistic missile strikes is described as immense, causing tens of millions of Ukrainian hryvnias in damages, displacing residents, and leading to widespread requests for aid. The United Nations monitoring mission in Ukraine has noted a "disturbing escalation" in Russian attacks, with June being the deadliest month for civilians since early 2022, largely attributed to long-range Russian strikes. Residents in cities like Kherson face constant bombardment, describing the situation as "hell" with daily shelling, drone attacks, and a pervasive sense of loss and trauma.