From July 21 to 27, 2025, Russia continued a large-scale wave of terror against Ukraine, striking Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Sumy Oblast and dozens of other settlements with drones, missiles and aerial bombs. Among the dead are — civilians, among the wounded are — children. In terms of scale and intensity, these attacks have become one of the most brutal in recent months.
This week was also remembered for internal civil opposition: a wave of protests swept across the country against the authorities' attempts to limit the independence of anti-corruption bodies. How Ukrainians defended their right to justice — see the photo report «Why do I need a system that works against me?» Ukrainians are against the law that weakens NABU and SAP
Large-scale attack — Kyiv
On the night of July 21, Russia carried out one of the largest combined strikes on the capital of Ukraine and other regions. More than 420 kamikaze drones and about 20 missiles were fired, including «Daggers», «Calibr» and X-101. The Russians hit Kyiv with the main blow. As a result of the shelling, residential buildings, a kindergarten, a shopping center and the lobby of the metro station were damaged. At least two people were killed and more than fifteen others were injured, including — child.
Daily strikes on Sumy Oblast
From July 22 to 24, Russia did not stop shelling the Sumy region, which is under constant fire from the territory of the Russian Federation. From 50 to 110 beats were recorded every day. At least five people were injured in the Shostky district, including —, a woman and a young man who later died in hospital. Another dead — 24-year-old resident of Putivlia, wounded on July 21. It was the most intense week of shelling of Sumy Oblast since the beginning of summer. The regional authorities urged residents not to ignore air alerts.
Two strikes on Odessa
First attack: night against July 22
On the night of July 22, Russia struck Odesa using attack drones. The attack caused extensive destruction in several areas of the city and resulted in injury to a civilian. The air alert in the Odesa region was announced at 1:48 a.m., and already around 2 a.m. the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine warned about the approach of a group of enemy BPLAs to Odesa. At 2:23, explosions rang out in the city. Mayor Gennady Trukhanov confirmed that civilian infrastructure was damaged as a result of the strike. The alarm was sounded at 2:38.
Photo by Oleksandr Gimanov
According to preliminary data, windows in high-rise residential buildings were broken in one of the districts of the city, and parked cars were destroyed. In another part of Odessa, as a result of the attack, an administrative building was occupied. The fire was contained, but the fire completely destroyed part of the structures. The prosecutor's office reported damage to a 25-story residential building, a supermarket, a sports hall and an administrative building. More than 30 cars were damaged, at least 12 of them burned to the ground. A 41-year-old woman was injured: she received a mine-explosive injury and was hospitalized. On the fact of the attack, a pre-trial investigation was initiated under Part 1 of Art. 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — violation of the laws and customs of war. Law enforcement officers qualify the strike as a war crime against the civilian population.
Photo by Oleksandr Gimanov
Second attack: morning of July 24
At dawn on July 24, Odessa was again attacked by drones. The explosions rang out around five in the morning. Private houses in the Primorsky district of the city were partially destroyed by the shelling. At least one of them burned out completely. The power grid, transport and outbuildings were also damaged. Three people were injured, including a 72-year-old man and a 76-year-old woman. They were hospitalized. As the head of Odesa OVA Oleg Kiper reported, there is damage to architectural monuments in the historical center of Odesa, which is under the protection of UNESCO.
Photo by Oleksandr Gimanov
A photo report from the scene was prepared by local documentarian Oleksandr Gimanov. His footage — is visual proof of the destruction: wreckage of drones in the yards, fires against the background of ancient architecture, destroyed cars and mutilated everyday life of Odessans.
Photo by Oleksandr Gimanov
On the fact of the attack, the investigators opened criminal proceedings under Art. 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — violation of the laws and customs of war.
Photo by Oleksandr Gimanov
Kharkiv: cluster munitions and KAB`s
On July 23–24, Kharkiv was twice at gunpoint. First, the Russians hit the city with cluster munitions —, then 33 people were injured, including a 10-year-old child and a month-old baby. Some of the wounded were taken to hospitals in serious condition. The shelling took place in two stages —, the enemy tried to hit rescuers and civilians during the evacuation.
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Photo by Ivan Samoilov for «Luke media»
On the morning of July 24, Russian troops used guided aerial bombs (KABs) on Kharkiv. Two bombs were dropped by a Su-34 fighter-bomber that took off from the «Savasleika» airfield.
Photo by Ivan Samoilov for «Luke media»
The impact fell on the central part of the city. At least 40 people were injured. In many houses, the blast wave knocked out windows, damaged facades, transport and trolleybus lines. The consequences of this attack were documented in a photo report by Kharkiv documentarian Ivan Samoilov.
Photo by Ivan Samoilov for «Luke media»
Massive shelling on the night of July 26-27
On the night of July 27, Russia launched a new large-scale combined attack on Ukraine. At least eight people, including children, were injured in Kyiv. Hits were recorded on civilian objects — supermarket, petrol station and other buildings. On the same day, Sumyshchyna was under fire again. In the Znob-Novgorod community, a rocket hit a residential building —, killing one person and injuring two others.
Contributors:
Researcher of the topic, author of the text: Vira Labych
Bildeditor: Olga Kovaleva
Literary editor: Yulia Futei
Site manager: Vladyslav Kukhar
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