Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense is claiming that more than 800 Russian soldiers were killed over the weekend, along with the destruction of dozens of armored vehicles.
As Americans celebrated their Independence Day weekend, the Ukraine War rose in intensity across several fronts, most notably in northeastern Ukraine, where Russian forces continued their offensive in Kharkiv Oblast. Heavy fighting characterized the offensive, especially near Vovchansk and Lyptsi, with Ukrainian soldiers defending the frontline despite the persistent Russian assault.
Meanwhile, both sides continued ramping up their use of drones, with Russia continuing its use of drone swarm tactics and Ukraine continuing its deep strikes behind Russian lines.
Russia Targets Kyiv—Ukraine Bombs Inside Russian Border
Both Ukraine and Russia have continued to use their drone arsenals liberally. Russia launched several waves of Shahed-136 drones against targets in Kyiv, Dnipro, and other central Ukrainian cities. Ukrainian air defense systems successfully intercepted the majority of incoming drones. However, the Russian attack still led to damage in some residential areas.
Ukraine, for its part, continued its strategy of striking deep within Russian-held territory—and Russia itself. Over the July 4th weekend, Ukrainian drones targeted oil depots and critical military infrastructure in Crimea and Russia’s Belgorod region. An unconfirmed report has suggested that one Ukrainian drone strike successfully disabled an S-400 air defense system in Crimea. If true, the strike would represent a significant tactical blow to Russia’s air defense in the region.
Ukrainian forces launched limited but coordinated counterattacks near Avdiika and Mrinka, both in the beleaguered Donetsk region. Ukraine claims to have made minor territorial gains, although Russia maintains a majority control of the area. To temper the counterattacks, Moscow has deployed additional reinforcements to these sectors, hoping to prevent Ukrainian forces from breaking through the lines.
Across the battlefield, casualty estimates remain difficult to pin down. However, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense is claiming that more than 800 Russian soldiers were killed over the weekend, along with the destruction of dozens of armored vehicles. Ukraine’s Russian casualty claims are consistent with the grinding attrition-style warfare that has characterized the war for over three years.
President Zelenskyy Is Lobbying for More Weapons
Ukraine is very openly lobbying for explicit security guarantees from the NATO alliance, specifically long-term support and a defined roadmap towards NATO membership. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is also expected to continue his lobbying for the resumption of arms shipments, which the Trump administration recently paused after it examined US military stockpiles.
In short, as the war enters its fourth summer, the latest developments suggest a slow but escalating cycle of attrition warfare, punctuated with continuing drone warfare and international political maneuvering. Both sides appear to be preparing for a long summer campaign, with intense competition over battlefield momentum and international support.
About the Author: Harrison Kass
Harrison Kass is a Senior Defense and National Security Writer at The National Interest. Kass is an attorney and former political candidate who joined the US Air Force as a pilot trainee before being medically discharged. He focuses on military strategy, aerospace, and global security affairs. He holds a JD from the University of Oregon and a master’s in Global Journalism and International Relations from NYU.
Image: Shutterstock / Artem Grebenyuk.
