Major Russian Strike Hits Kyiv Amid U.S.–Russia Call

On the night of July 3–4, 2025, Russian forces launched one of the largest drone-and-missile barrages since the 2022 full-scale invasion. Ukrainian air defense intercepted the majority of the attack—approximately 478–539 drones and 11 missiles—launched toward Kyiv. The assault lasted several hours and impacted six of Kyiv’s ten districts.

• Casualties and damage: Ukrainian authorities report at least 23 people wounded, including 14–23 hospitalized. Fires ignited in residential blocks, a medical facility in Holosiivskyi district, and several vehicles. Railway infrastructure was also damaged, disrupting train services.

• Scope: The strikes included both drones and cruise or ballistic missiles. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted most inbound threats—around 476 to 478 drones and some missiles .

U.S.–Russia Phone Call Fails to Yield Ceasefire Progress

Earlier on July 3, U.S. President Donald Trump held a nearly one-hour phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

• Outcome: Trump stated the discussion produced "no progress" toward ending the war. The Kremlin described the tone as “frank” and “constructive,” but Putin insisted Russia would not abandon its military objectives in Ukraine.

• Topics discussed: The call covered Ukraine’s war, Iran, cooperation in energy and space, and cultural exchanges. Russia made clear that peace would require Ukraine to drop ambitions of NATO membership and recognize Russia’s territorial claims.

U.S. Suspends Some Military Aid to Ukraine

This week, Washington halted shipments of key weaponry, including air-defense systems and precision-guided munitions. U.S. officials cited concerns over low domestic stockpiles.

• Reactions: Ukrainian officials have warned that this pause could weaken their civilian defence capabilities. President Zelenskyy intends to discuss the issue with Trump w.

• Administration’s stance: Trump clarified it's not a complete end to military support, but said the U.S. must preserve adequate defence reserves and criticized the previous administration for overcommitting .

Broader Context

• The strike on Kyiv represents a peak in aerial attacks during the conflict, intensifying pressure on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure and prompting questions over its national resiliency .

• The diplomatic impasse between Washington and Moscow, as shown in the unproductive call, underscores the lack of progress toward a ceasefire or political resolution to the conflict.

Summary: Kyiv was hit by an extensive nighttime barrage of drones and missiles, leaving at least 23 injured and damaging both civilian and transport infrastructure. Earlier, Trump and Putin spoke by phone but did not reach any agreement toward ending hostilities. Washington’s decision to suspend some military deliveries has added pressure on Kyiv amid intensifying Russian assaults.

Source attribution: Reuters, CNN, BBC, AP News