Russia Fires 381 Missiles at Ukraine in July as Ballistic Strikes Outrun Air Defenses
Updated
Updated · abcnews.com · Aug 3
Russia Fires 381 Missiles at Ukraine in July as Ballistic Strikes Outrun Air Defenses
3 articles · Updated · abcnews.com · Aug 3
Summary
Russia launched 381 missiles into Ukraine in July—just over 12 a day—the highest monthly total and rate of the war, while missiles made up a record 7% of all Russian aerial munitions, Ukrainian air force data showed.
Ukraine said its overall missile failure rate was about 58%, but only around 28% for ballistic missiles, underscoring why Patriot systems remain critical as interceptor shortages and reduced U.S. support strain defenses.
At least 126 ballistic missiles were fired in July, above Ukraine's June estimate that Russia could sustain up to 100 a month without depleting stockpiles, suggesting Moscow may be pushing an unsustainable pace even as it adapts tactics.
Kyiv says the surge is exacting a growing civilian toll: the capital suffered 11 combined attacks in July that killed at least 56 people and wounded 220, while two major strikes in the last week of the month killed at least 17.
The United Nations had already called June the deadliest month for Ukrainian civilians since early 2022, with 293 killed and 1,990 injured, saying long-range Russian attacks were driving the escalation.