Overview
- On July 8–9, Russia deployed 728 drones and ballistic missiles in its largest single-day attack on Ukraine to date.
- Ukrainian air defenses intercepted the majority of incoming threats but at least nine people were killed in strikes across western and eastern oblasts.
- Since late June, Russian forces have systematically targeted conscription offices, a strategy Moscow formally confirmed on July 7.
- Confronted with chronic manpower shortages, Kyiv has opened new recruitment centers and is offering $3,000 monthly salaries to foreign volunteers.
- Poland scrambled fighter jets to guard its airspace after western Ukraine was struck and President Zelensky renewed calls for tougher international sanctions.