Sun Aug 03 02:19:06 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the text, aiming for a factual and concise tone:

**Russia Unleashes Record Drone Barrage on Ukraine in July, Casualties Mount**

**KYIV, Ukraine** – Russia significantly escalated its drone attacks on Ukraine in July 2024, launching a record-breaking 6,129 Shahed-type drones, according to the Kyiv Independent, a more than fourteen-fold increase compared to the 423 launched in July of the previous year. The AFP news agency reported Russia fired 6,297 long-range drones into Ukraine last month, up by nearly 16 percent compared with June. These attacks resulted in numerous casualties, including dozens killed and many more injured, and inflicted damage on civilian infrastructure, including homes, a kindergarten, and an ambulance.

The intensified drone offensive was accompanied by a substantial number of missile strikes, with 198 missiles fired into Ukraine in July, according to the AFP.

Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat suggested the true number of drone attacks might be even higher, based on estimates. A particularly devastating single-night attack on July 9 saw 741 drones and decoys launched against Western Ukraine.

The attacks have prompted renewed calls for increased air defense support for Ukraine. Although Ukrainian forces have successfully intercepted a significant portion of the drones, the sheer volume of attacks is straining resources. The European allies will finance Patriot air defence systems for Ukraine, from the US weapons company Raytheon.

The Russian military appears to have adapted its drone tactics, flying them at higher altitudes to evade machine gun fire, making Ukraine more dependent on advanced air defense systems, like the European-funded Patriot missiles. The drone swarms also include decoys to drain Ukrainian defenses, and reconnaissance drones to locate and track Ukrainian air defence locations.

While peace talks continue, they have yet to yield a lasting ceasefire. Ukraine has been increasing its own drone production capabilities.

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