Russian forces launched their largest ballistic missile attack on Kyiv since the start of the war early on Sunday, July 19th, 2026, killing one person and injuring at least 15, according to local officials and Ukraine’s national police. The missile strikes spanned six districts of the city.

Ukraine’s air force reported that it intercepted 18 out of 41 missiles launched overnight by Russia. However, the country remains particularly vulnerable to such attacks due to a shortage of Patriot air defence munitions, which are considered its best defense against ballistic missiles.

The intensified bombardment underscores the mounting challenges Ukraine faces in the fifth year of the conflict, as it endures near-daily Russian attacks.

Some critics have condemned President Zelenskyy’s recent decision to replace Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, calling it the worst mistake of his presidency, especially as Ukraine appeared to be gaining momentum in the war.

In response to the ongoing missile threat, United States President Donald Trump stated he is prepared to grant Ukraine licenses to produce Patriot interceptor missiles domestically, potentially strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses. However, the details and timeline of this proposal remain unclear.

Additionally, hundreds protested in Kyiv over the dismissal of the defence minister, and Russia is reportedly preparing to reroute exports from the Sea of Azov following Ukrainian attacks.

Sources