A recent update from UK Defence Intelligence has shed light on the escalating frequency of Russian aerial attacks on Ukraine, with a new monthly record of approximately 6,200 Shahed-type loitering munitions launched in July 2025. This tactic is part of Russia’s strategy to wear down Ukrainian air defenses, surpassing the previous month’s figure of 5,600 drones.
The use of Russian loitering munitions in conjunction with advanced missiles has been highlighted as a means to enhance combat effectiveness and pose challenges to Ukraine’s air defense systems. Notably, daily records for the deployment of these drones were set in July, with a mix of decoy and live warhead-carrying drones utilized to exhaust Ukrainian air forces.
Amidst these developments, Russia’s long-range bombers have continued their operations at a steady pace, showcasing the fleet’s resilience and combat capability following Ukraine’s Operation Spider’s Web. In July alone, seven strike groups of long-range bombers launched over 70 units of advanced munitions.
Recent analysis by UK intelligence has also revealed that Russia has suffered significant casualties, with approximately 260,000 soldiers killed or wounded in 2025 thus far. This grim statistic underscores the intensity of the conflict and the toll it has taken on Russian forces.
As the situation in Ukraine remains volatile, the international community closely monitors the evolving dynamics of the conflict and its implications on regional stability.
