Kyiv was burning as Dr. Borys Todurov sped through the city in an ambulance, undeterred by the deep thuds of explosions and the terrifying sounds of Russian drones flying overhead.

"As a result of the explosion, a satellite communication hardware station—intended by Russian military leadership to coordinate occupying forces—was also destroyed," Ukraine's military intelligence said.

German political scientist Andreas Heinemann-Grüder said Moscow’s goal is to degrade Ukraine’s air defenses to the point that Western allies can no longer replenish them quickly enough. He also warned these strikes may signal that Russia is gearing up for a “decisive battle.

Between January and June, the number of Russian drone and missile attacks exceeded 23,000, a roughly 605% increase compared to the same period last year.