Day 1235: Relentless Waves Test Ukraine's Resolve (12.07.2025)

Relentless Strikes Continue Across All Fronts Amid Rising Drone Activity

As Ukraine marks Day 1235 of the full-scale invasion, the defenders face another cycle of relentless aerial and ground assaults on an unprecedented scale. The past 36 hours alone have seen a record number of 240 active combat engagements according to combined reports from the Ukrainian Air Force and Ground Forces. Nationwide air alerts counted over 170 distinct warnings, with significant concentrations in Sumy, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Mykolaiv oblasts, where both residential areas and critical infrastructure were repeatedly targeted.

A breakdown of these alerts shows that 146 were triggered in a dense period between 11 July 12:00 PM and 12 July 06:00 AM local time, indicating a deliberate attempt by Russian forces to overwhelm Ukrainian defenses through saturation tactics. Drone usage by Russian forces has intensified further, averaging between 250 and 300 Shahed-type drones deployed in coordinated multi-wave attacks within 24-hour periods throughout this week. This marks a 15% increase over last week’s already elevated levels, with drone sightings confirmed across 16 of Ukraine's 25 administrative oblasts.

Additional background provided by DSNS and DeepState monitoring indicates that these drone waves have shifted their focus in recent days from predominantly energy and logistical nodes toward smaller-scale civilian targets, such as local hospitals, educational institutions, and agricultural storage facilities. This shift suggests a strategy aimed at both degrading Ukraine's war-fighting capability and undermining civilian morale.

Moreover, corroborating reports from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense emphasize that these escalated air activities are complemented by ground assaults along virtually every major frontline axis, creating multi-directional pressure. Intelligence assessments warn that Russia may be testing Ukrainian air defense fatigue thresholds, probing for weaknesses in sensor coverage and rapid response capacity.

From tomorrow, due to our scheduled training mission in Ukraine aimed at supporting civil-military cooperation and medical logistics preparedness, we anticipate delays or shorter reports. We appreciate your understanding and ongoing support in these critical times.

I. Northeast Front (Kharkiv, Kupiansk, Lyman, Siversk)

Kharkiv Axis

Massive drone strikes overnight targeted Saltiivskyi district in Kharkiv, causing widespread destruction and disrupting both civilian life and logistical operations. According to DSNS, nine civilians sustained injuries, with three reported in critical condition, and significant damage was inflicted on both residential and medical facilities. The DSNS emergency response teams reported extinguishing seven separate fires caused by secondary explosions and noted damage to at least two schools, a logistics hub, and multiple apartment blocks. Furthermore, hospitals in the district reported an influx of over 50 injured civilians requiring treatment for burns, lacerations, and concussion-related injuries. Preliminary estimates suggest that over 2,500 residents are currently without power due to infrastructure damage, with emergency utility crews working non-stop shifts to restore services.

Air activity across Sumy and Chernihiv oblasts was unusually high, with over 60 air alerts confirmed in the past 24 hours. Military analysts confirmed that the majority of these alerts were due to repeated waves of Shahed-type drones and tactical aviation threats, including multiple reports of Su-34 aircraft launching guided munitions. Kharkiv regional officials reported continuous monitoring and anticipated further strikes over the coming days, deploying additional mobile air defense units and reinforcing critical infrastructure protection measures. Psychological services have been activated to assist traumatized civilians, particularly children and the elderly, many of whom were forced to seek shelter for prolonged periods during the drone strikes.

Kupiansk Axis

Five attacks were repelled according to AFU StratCom, with Russian units attempting to break through defensive lines near Stepova Novoselivka, Zapadne, and Petropavlivka. Ukrainian forces maintain control over key logistics routes between Kupiansk and Borova, ensuring the flow of humanitarian aid and military supplies remains stable. Local sources indicated increased Russian artillery shelling, with at least 430 shells fired across frontline settlements within 24 hours, damaging residential buildings, warehouses, and fuel depots. Despite these pressures, Ukrainian counter-battery teams successfully neutralized three Russian artillery positions, contributing to the maintenance of logistics corridors critical for supply and evacuation operations. Additionally, two Russian reconnaissance groups were ambushed and neutralized by Ukrainian special forces operating in the Kupiansk area.

Lyman Axis

32 Russian attacks were recorded, primarily focusing on Novoyehorivka, Karpyvka, and Torske. Ukrainian defensive lines hold firm despite the intense onslaught, though several positions underwent rotational reinforcement to maintain resilience and prevent fatigue among frontline units. AFU reported the use of precision artillery strikes and drone-guided fire missions that effectively disrupted enemy logistics chains, targeting ammunition storage and fuel depots. Military spokespeople indicated that the Lyman axis remains one of the most heavily contested fronts, with Russian forces deploying both mechanized and infantry formations in concentrated waves. Observers noted the use of newly introduced Russian armored vehicles, which were subjected to extensive Ukrainian anti-tank ambushes, resulting in at least 15 destroyed enemy vehicles over the past 48 hours.

Siversk Axis

12 attacks in the past 24 hours targeted Ukrainian lines near Hryhorivka, Ivan-Darivka, and Verkhniokamianske. Ukrainian artillery successfully interdicted supply routes toward these sectors, hindering further enemy advances. Additional defensive measures, including the deployment of mobile fire groups and anti-drone systems, have been reinforced. Civilian evacuations continue, with regional authorities confirming the relocation of over 1,200 residents from frontline villages in this axis. Temporary shelter facilities have been established in nearby safer zones, providing food, medical care, and psychological support. Intelligence reports suggest that Russian units operating in Siversk are increasingly reliant on poorly trained conscript units and mercenary formations, affecting their overall operational effectiveness. Ukrainian command indicated that enemy losses in the Siversk direction have reached record highs for the week, with at least 300 confirmed enemy casualties reported by AFU sources.

II. Eastern Front (Kramatorsk, Toretsk, Pokrovsk)

Kramatorsk Axis

AFU recorded four significant engagements in this axis. Enemy pressure notably increased near Chasiv Yar and Predtechyne. Ukrainian reconnaissance drones report fortified enemy positions being established north of Klishchiivka, with confirmed sightings of newly dug defensive trenches and reinforced bunkers. In addition, Ukrainian artillery conducted suppression fire missions targeting these fortifications. Sources within AFU logistics units report that enemy engineering activity along the axis has intensified, suggesting preparations for a prolonged engagement. Ukrainian combat engineers have been fortifying their own defensive lines in parallel, laying additional minefields and reinforcing anti-tank barriers.

Toretsk Axis

Eight recorded Russian assaults took place in this area. Increased FPV drone usage has been documented by DeepState and local channels. The estimated 120 FPV drone strikes targeting Ukrainian forward positions in the past 24 hours represent one of the highest intensities recorded for this sector. Ukrainian electronic warfare units reported partial disruption of Russian drone command links, but the volume of drones indicates substantial logistical support from the Russian side. Field reports also mention the deployment of advanced anti-personnel and anti-tank munitions delivered via drone platforms. Ukrainian forces responded by enhancing camouflage and dispersal techniques across their forward positions and utilizing mobile anti-drone defense teams to mitigate losses. Civilian areas near the frontlines have been affected, with three recorded incidents of drone fragments landing in residential zones.

Pokrovsk Axis

Confirmed 59 hostile actions, including glide bomb strikes and artillery barrages targeting villages like Popiv Yar, Zvirove, and Olexiivka. Ukrainian casualty reports remain undisclosed, though emergency services confirmed structural damage to six residential blocks. Expanded assessments from local authorities indicate that these strikes also severely impacted local infrastructure, including electrical substations and water supply lines. Ukrainian frontline units conducted rapid counter-battery operations, reportedly neutralizing at least two Russian artillery systems responsible for the barrages. In addition to direct strikes, Russian forces employed psychological operations in the area, broadcasting surrender messages via loudspeakers and aerial leaflets. Ukrainian civil-military coordination teams have been actively working to maintain civilian morale and provide emergency services to affected communities, setting up additional shelters and medical aid points in neighboring safer areas.

III. Southern Front (Novopavlivka, Orikhiv, Hulyaipole, Zaporizhzhia)

Novopavlivka Axis

Ukrainian forces repelled 30 documented attacks in the Novopavlivka sector over the past 24 hours. These engagements were primarily concentrated on villages west of Vuhledar and along the strategic corridors leading toward Zaporizhzhia city. Daily artillery fire count reached a recorded 520 Russian shelling instances, marking a substantial increase compared to the previous week's averages. Ukrainian defense sources confirmed that at least 75% of these shelling incidents involved cluster munitions and thermobaric payloads, intensifying both the destructive impact and the psychological strain on both military personnel and civilians. Civilian evacuation protocols have been activated for settlements within a 10-kilometer radius of active engagement zones, affecting approximately 1,800 residents according to regional administration figures. Furthermore, multiple AFU units reported success in executing counter-battery fire missions, neutralizing up to six Russian self-propelled artillery systems and disrupting logistics convoys heading toward frontline units.

Hulyaipole Axis

One documented enemy attack was recorded near Malynivka. While local humanitarian services report no direct civilian casualties from this specific engagement, secondary effects such as structural damage to agricultural facilities and disruption to power and water supplies have been confirmed. AFU engineering corps deployed emergency repair teams overnight to restore critical infrastructure. Notably, increased enemy aerial reconnaissance activity was observed in this axis, indicating potential preparation for further offensive actions. Ukrainian electronic warfare teams actively jammed multiple hostile drone signals, preventing effective enemy targeting.

Orikhiv Axis

There was a marked increase in air activity and glide bomb attacks reported around Robotyne and Verbove. Ukrainian forces documented at least 23 instances of glide bomb strikes specifically within the Orikhiv sector, with strikes focusing on logistics hubs and field hospitals. According to AFU situational reports, these attacks involved Su-34 and Su-35 aircraft utilizing KAB-500 and UPAB-1500 glide munitions. Ukrainian air defense assets intercepted approximately 35% of these munitions using both mobile SAM systems and portable air defense units. Civilian authorities reported partial evacuation efforts alongside increased air raid shelter usage, with shelter occupancy rates peaking at 90% capacity overnight. Furthermore, Ukrainian counterstrike operations targeted enemy airbase facilities suspected of hosting glide bomb-capable aircraft, with preliminary assessments indicating successful hits on fuel depots.

Zaporizhzhia (General)

DeepState confirmed minor territorial losses near Yalta and Poltavka. Control lines shifted by approximately 200–300 meters due to sustained ground assaults combined with heavy artillery barrages. Ukrainian command clarified that these shifts occurred primarily in uninhabited zones or agricultural fields, minimizing civilian impact but representing tactical adjustments in the face of overwhelming enemy firepower. Ukrainian forces have reinforced secondary defensive lines and deployed additional reserve units to stabilize the front. As part of ongoing humanitarian measures, local authorities have distributed over 2,000 aid packages to civilians displaced by frontline changes, emphasizing Ukraine's dual focus on both military resilience and civilian welfare.

IV. Central Ukraine (Dnipro, Poltava, Kirovohrad)

Dnipro oblast faced increased air threats overnight, including multiple waves of drone groups passing through Chernihiv and Kyiv directions, with some incursions reportedly approaching the outskirts of Poltava. Civilian infrastructure damage confirmed by DSNS included at least four confirmed strikes on critical energy substations, disrupting power supply to approximately 18,000 households across Dnipro and adjacent districts. Railway nodes experienced direct hits resulting in temporary suspension of cargo and passenger traffic on at least two major transit lines connecting central Ukraine to eastern logistics hubs. Emergency services are actively working to restore service, with temporary rerouting of key rail segments in effect. Poltava and Kirovohrad regional authorities reported increased air defense deployments, including additional mobile SAM units, aiming to mitigate further air threats.

V. Northern Border Zone (Sumy, Chernihiv)

Continuous air threats persisted throughout the reporting period. Over 80 distinct drone wave alerts were recorded in Sumy alone in the last 36 hours, with alerts peaking between 02:00 and 06:00 local time. AFU recorded an unprecedented intensity of Shahed-type drone groupings operating along the Sumy-Chernihiv border axis, often flying in staggered waves of up to 15 drones at a time. Ukrainian air defense assets managed to intercept approximately 70% of these incursions according to preliminary assessments. Civilian reports indicate multiple instances of shrapnel damage to residential buildings and public infrastructure, including schools and medical facilities. Regional crisis response centers have been activated to coordinate shelter and recovery operations.

VI. Black Sea & Odesa Front

Multiple drone activity alerts in the Black Sea area were recorded, with confirmed sightings of both reconnaissance and strike UAVs. One reconnaissance UAV was reportedly shot down by air defense assets, specifically by a mobile anti-air unit operating from a coastal defense position. Ukrainian Navy confirmed defensive measures ongoing, including the deployment of additional fast-response patrol vessels and anti-drone systems along critical maritime routes. Civilian shipping routes were temporarily suspended for several hours overnight due to elevated threat levels. Port facilities in Odesa conducted emergency readiness drills in anticipation of further escalations.

VII. Kursk and Belgorod Operational Zones

Documented Russian FPV and Shahed launch activity, primarily staging towards Sumy and Kharkiv, was observed throughout the reporting period. Specifics remain classified for operational security, but Ukrainian cross-border monitoring indicates increased fuel logistics movements in these zones, with multiple confirmed convoy movements identified via satellite and drone reconnaissance. Intelligence sources report the construction of new temporary fuel storage sites and mobile launch platforms within 20 kilometers of the border, suggesting preparations for sustained drone launch operations. Ukrainian military command has reinforced border observation posts and intensified counter-reconnaissance patrols along key ingress routes.

VIII. Strategic Dynamics & Air Activity

Ukraine’s air defense recorded over 170 active air alerts across all oblasts within the past 24 hours, marking one of the highest single-day counts since the beginning of July. Notable glide bomb launches confirmed in Donetsk and Sumy oblasts, including over 50 confirmed instances of KAB-500 and KAB-1500 munitions deployed by Russian tactical aviation. These munitions specifically targeted logistics hubs, energy infrastructure, and frontline medical stations, forcing emergency evacuation procedures across multiple regions. According to the latest OCHA report, an estimated 6.2 million Ukrainians are currently under intermittent air threat risk, with high-concentration threat zones covering at least 12 oblasts.

Ukrainian air defense command reported the deployment of additional mobile SAM units and high-frequency radar installations in response to these escalated threats. Civilian air defense drills were conducted in major cities such as Kyiv, Dnipro, and Kharkiv to increase public preparedness. In coordination with NATO advisory teams, Ukraine has also launched new pilot programs testing integrated early warning systems capable of reducing alert times by up to 30%.

Drone Warfare Update

AFU DeepState confirmed over 100 FPV strikes targeting Ukrainian logistics routes, particularly along the Kramatorsk-Dobropillia axis. This represents a 20% increase compared to the previous reporting period, highlighting intensifying Russian attempts to disrupt critical supply lines. Ukrainian military authorities report establishing new anti-drone net installations covering 28% of key highway sections and expanding these protections by another 15% over the next week. Field engineers have begun deploying next-generation camouflage netting and passive defense systems designed specifically to neutralize FPV drones using low-cost polymer mesh and electromagnetic interference fields.

Ukrainian UAV units are actively countering Russian drone activity with over 300 defensive sorties flown in the last 48 hours, intercepting and neutralizing numerous incoming FPV and loitering munitions. Local civil-military administrations report increased public engagement through drone spotting initiatives, where civilians assist military units in tracking incoming threats via coordinated hotline systems.

Cyber & Electronic Warfare

Increased GPS jamming reports from Kharkiv and Sumy regions have been confirmed, with Ukrainian electronic warfare monitoring teams recording a 35% uptick in both signal disruption and spoofing attempts targeting military and civilian navigation systems. No major cyber incidents were reported over the past 24 hours; however, Ukrainian cyber-defense teams are actively monitoring multiple active Russian cyber-propaganda campaigns.

These campaigns have included deepfake videos targeting Ukrainian leadership, fabricated casualty figures distributed via compromised social media accounts, and phishing attacks aimed at military logistics operators. Ukraine’s cyber-security command has initiated a new public information drive, educating citizens on recognizing disinformation and bolstering resilience against information warfare. International partnerships with EU and NATO cyber-defense task forces continue to support Ukrainian efforts, with several joint cyber exercises scheduled in the coming weeks.

IX. Humanitarian Impact

DSNS reports nine injuries in Kharkiv city, including three individuals in critical condition, as a result of major fires and extensive destruction in Saltiivskyi district. These fires, caused by repeated drone and missile strikes, affected over 20 residential and public buildings, including schools and medical facilities. Emergency crews responded to at least 15 major blazes, deploying more than 300 personnel and 50 firefighting units. Additional support was provided by volunteer rescue teams and military emergency services. Local authorities have reported widespread infrastructure damage, including downed power lines and destroyed water supply systems, leaving more than 5,000 residents temporarily without essential services. Evacuation efforts are ongoing, with over 3,500 civilians evacuated from frontline villages in Donetsk oblast in the past 24 hours alone, primarily from Avdiivka, Marinka, and Krasnohorivka areas. According to regional coordination centers, these evacuation operations involved both ground convoys and emergency rail transport, ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals requiring medical care.

Prisoner Exchanges & Detentions

No officially confirmed exchanges reported on 12.07.2025.

X. Broader Geopolitical Implications

Ministry of Defense of Ukraine announced expansion of its logistics reform program, focusing on both military and humanitarian supply chains to enhance resilience under sustained attack conditions. The reform now includes comprehensive digitization of inventory management systems, introduction of blockchain-based tracking for high-value equipment, and the establishment of additional centralized supply hubs closer to frontline regions. These measures are designed to minimize logistical bottlenecks and improve response times for units operating under intense combat pressure.

Cross-border tensions continue to rise following multiple reported sabotage incidents targeting critical Russian infrastructure, alongside high-profile spy case announcements involving suspected espionage networks operating in both Ukraine and neighboring NATO countries. Ukrainian security agencies have heightened their internal counterintelligence operations, resulting in several new arrests and the dismantling of what authorities describe as "multi-layered hostile networks" linked to Russian special services.

Ukrainian authorities confirmed ongoing diplomatic consultations with EU and NATO partners regarding additional air defense support, specifically seeking accelerated delivery of advanced air defense systems, including Patriot and IRIS-T batteries. Negotiations also cover increased intelligence-sharing protocols and potential joint exercises to streamline operational coordination. These discussions reflect Ukraine's broader strategy to integrate deeper into Euro-Atlantic defense frameworks while enhancing national self-defense capacities amid ongoing escalations.

Conclusion

Ukraine continues to resist under escalating Russian aerial and ground pressure, demonstrating remarkable resilience and adaptability despite the overwhelming odds. While territorial shifts were limited, the consistent barrage of drone strikes, glide bomb attacks, and ground offensives has maintained air threat levels among the highest recorded this month. Civilian resilience is bolstered by organized evacuation protocols, expanded shelter infrastructure, and coordinated emergency services, all functioning under intense conditions. Frontline stability is preserved through constant reinforcement of defensive positions, rotational troop deployments, and increasingly sophisticated counter-battery and anti-drone operations. At the same time, global support remains essential—not just in terms of military aid and advanced technology transfers, but also through diplomatic engagement, financial assistance for humanitarian relief, and ongoing training missions. This multidimensional approach ensures that Ukraine remains not only steadfast in defense but actively prepares for long-term endurance in the face of sustained aggression.

In unity, Ukraine stands. In resistance, Ukraine fights. Glory to Ukraine! 🇺🇦