**Ukraine Strikes Back: Drones Target Russian Cities After Record Attack on Kyiv**
In a bold move, Ukraine launched a series of drone strikes across multiple regions in Russia overnight on July 5, just one day after Moscow unleashed a record missile and drone attack on the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. The counterattack marked a significant escalation in the conflict between the two nations.
According to reports, local air defenses in St. Petersburg, Russia’s second-largest city, successfully downed at least two drones near the city’s Pulkovo airport. Governor Alexander Drozdenko confirmed that no injuries or damage were reported, but operations at the airport were temporarily suspended.
**Widespread Drone Activity Across Russia**
The governor of the Smolensk region in western Russia said anti-aircraft units destroyed three drones without casualties or damage. The Voronezh region, bordering Ukraine, also confirmed the destruction of “several” drones. Meanwhile, Russian Telegram channels and NASA’s fire monitoring system reported a fire near a military airfield following an attack on Borisoglebsk in the Voronej region.
Residents in Borisoglebsk described powerful explosions around 2 a.m. local time, with accounts suggesting 8-10 loud blasts. Similar incidents were also reported in Cheboksary in the Chuvash Republic and Engels in the Saratov region, with some sources suggesting that military airfields were likely targeted.
**Russia Reports Drone Destruction**
The Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have destroyed a total of 42 drones over a three-hour period, with 37 of them intercepted in three regions bordering Ukraine: Belgorod, Bryansk, and Kursk. However, the effectiveness of these defenses remains unclear, given the widespread reports of drone activity across Russia.
**International Reactions**
As tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to rise, international leaders are calling for increased support for Kyiv. Moldovan President Maia Sandu expressed her hope that her pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) would retain its parliamentary majority in the upcoming elections.
In a related development, European officials are discussing potential military aid packages for Ukraine, with Berlin reportedly considering purchasing up to 2,500 GTK Boxer armored vehicles and up to 1,000 Leopard 2 battle tanks.
**What’s Next?**
As Ukraine continues to face off against Russia, questions remain about the effectiveness of Western support. The recent decision by the Pentagon to halt shipments of certain weapons to Ukraine has raised concerns about a looming shell shortage for Ukrainian forces.
In the wake of the recent attacks on Kyiv and Russian cities, President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the importance of international cooperation in supporting the Ukrainian defense industry.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
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