Ukraine Downs 115 of 129 Russian Drones as Trump, Putin Hold 90-Minute Call
Updated
Updated · EA WorldView · Jul 5
Ukraine Downs 115 of 129 Russian Drones as Trump, Putin Hold 90-Minute Call
3 articles · Updated · EA WorldView · Jul 5
Summary
Ukraine’s air defenses shot down 115 of 129 Russian drones overnight, while four UAVs hit three locations and all four missiles launched by Russia missed their targets.
The barrage came as Russia pressed its invasion and after Kyiv said its own strikes again cut power in occupied Crimea by hitting substations including in Bakhchysarai and Zymyne.
Friday’s Ukrainian attacks also damaged or destroyed at least seven warplanes at two Russian airbases, including seven hangars hit in a second strike within a week on Saky airbase.
Nearly 90 minutes of talks between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin on Saturday added a diplomatic layer, with the Kremlin saying Trump offered help on the war and Zelensky separately discussing frontline developments with him.
As Ukrainian drones create a 'logistics lockdown' in Crimea, can Russia's claimed battlefield advances actually continue?
Will direct US-Russia talks sideline NATO's united front ahead of the critical Ankara summit?
With Trump's envoys heading to Moscow, what undisclosed terms does his peace plan hold for Ukraine's territory?
July 4-5, 2026: Intensified Drone Warfare, Trump’s Peace Push, and the Stalemate in Ukraine
Overview
Between July 4-5, 2026, Russia launched extensive drone and missile attacks on Kyiv, striking dozens of locations including an ambulance station, scientific institute, hotel, and businesses. These attacks destroyed hundreds of thousands of books at a major publishing warehouse and damaged key energy infrastructure, while Kyiv residents sheltered in subways. The escalation came as Russia’s war effort stalled and casualties mounted. In response, Ukraine carried out drone strikes on Russian military and oil targets, increasing pressure on Russia’s economy. This intensified aerial warfare marked a turning point, with both sides suffering losses and the conflict entering a new, more destructive phase.