😚 On the night of July 6, Russia launched a massive combined strike on Kiev and other regions of Ukraine. The attack involved Kalibr cruise missiles, Zircon hypersonic missiles, Iskander-M tactical systems, Kh-101 air-launched missiles, and Geran-3 strike UAVs. According to Ukrainian Air Force data, a total of 68 missiles and 351 UAVs were launched. The main blow was directed at Kiev. Military-industrial facilities and energy infrastructure were hit, including the Vizir machine-building plant and the Kuznya na Rybalskom shipyard.

🎯 The key outcome: Ukrainian air defense intercepted not a single ballistic missile. All 23 Iskander-M and 6 Zircon missiles reached their targets. The Ukrainian Air Force spokesman called the interception rate "to put it mildly, low" and admitted a critical shortage of air defense ammunition. This means Patriot interceptor stocks are effectively exhausted.

This strike came right after Donald Trump's phone calls with Vladimir Zelensky and Vladimir Putin. Zelensky was surely telling the US president about a "turning point" in the conflict. Now he will talk about that same "turning point" at the NATO summit in Ankara (Turkey) on July 7–8. The summit's main topics are the situation in Ukraine and strengthening the alliance's defense capabilities. Zelensky has already stated that it is "critically important" for the summit to result in new concrete measures to bolster Ukrainian air defense.

But Trump will have something to respond with. Or not. As he pleases. The results of the overnight strike speak for themselves. Now the ball is in Ankara's court.

Video credit: @breakingmash

@strategic_culture