Ukraine Strikes Deep in Russia as Luhansk Fully Falls under Moscow’s Control

Between July 6 and 8, 2025, Ukrainian drone strikes targeted key Russian military-industrial sites in Izhevsk and Voronezh, causing casualties and disrupting drone production. Russia’s air defenses intercepted hundreds of drones and missiles, including near Moscow, temporarily halting major airport operations. Russia declared full control of the Luhansk region, its first complete occupation of Ukrainian territory since 2022. Intense fighting continued in Donetsk, Kharkiv, Sumy, and Kostiantynivka, with Ukrainian forces holding key defensive positions despite Russian advances. Diplomatically, Putin and Macron resumed high-level talks calling for ceasefire discussions, while NATO committed to raising defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. After an initial Pentagon pause, US President Trump pledged renewed weapons aid to Ukraine amid growing concerns over banned chemical weapon use confirmed by the OPCW.

Background & Context

The Russia Ukraine war, which began with Russia’s 2022 invasion, is characterized by a range of military operations including drone and missile strikes, cyber warfare, and conventional ground combat. This prolonged conflict has resulted in extensive human casualties and significant infrastructure damage. International actors such as NATO, the European Union, the United States, and North Korea play influential roles through military support, sanctions, and diplomatic engagement, all shaping the course of the war.

Although some progress has been made through prisoner swaps and resumed high-level diplomatic contacts, peace talks remain fragile and inconclusive. Key political disagreements and strategic stances have hindered the establishment of ceasefires. Public opinion globally tends to support Ukraine, with strong calls for increased sanctions on Russia and enhanced military aid, despite political divisions particularly evident in the United States. The humanitarian crisis, compounded by allegations of chemical weapons use, continues to spur international concern and advocacy within this ongoing Russia geopolitical conflict.

Key Developments & Timeline

February 2022: Russia invades Ukraine, initiating the Russia Ukraine war and sharply escalating Russia NATO tensions across the region and globally.
May–June 2025: Istanbul peace talks commence with prisoner exchanges, reflecting ongoing diplomatic attempts amid continued hostilities.
June 29 – July 1, 2025: Russia claims full control over the Luhansk region, marking the first Ukrainian territory fully occupied since the 2022 invasion. During this time, drone and missile attacks intensify across multiple fronts.
June 30, 2025: Ukraine launches deep drone strikes on Russian military-industrial facilities in Izhevsk and Voronezh, killing several and disrupting drone and glide bomb production. Russian air defenses intercept hundreds of Ukrainian drones near Moscow, causing significant airport closures and flight disruptions.
July 1–2, 2025: NATO agrees to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, responding to Russia’s increasing military buildup and nuclear threat. Fighting persists intensely in Donetsk, Kharkiv, Sumy, and near Kostiantynivka as Russian troops make territorial gains while Ukraine strengthens defenses.
July 2–3, 2025: The Pentagon halts some weapons shipments to Ukraine over stockpile concerns; however, former President Trump later pledges renewed aid. French President Macron and Russian President Putin hold their first substantive phone call since 2022, discussing ceasefire possibilities and conflict resolution.
July 4, 2025: The OPCW confirms Russia’s use of banned tear gas on Ukrainian frontline zones, heightening chemical warfare concerns.
July 6–7, 2025: Intense drone warfare continues to disrupt Russian air travel, including airport closures near Moscow. Ukraine expands drone production through agreements with European allies and a U.S. defense firm to bolster military capabilities.
July 8, 2025: Former Russian transport minister Roman Starovoit is found dead amid ongoing corruption investigations, revealing internal political turbulence in Russia during wartime.

This timeline captures key events in the Russia Ukraine war latest update, illustrating the interplay of military escalation, diplomatic engagement, and geopolitical tensions. Russia’s persistent Russian missile attack campaigns and drone offensives contrast with Ukraine’s expanding drone warfare and international support. NATO’s historic defense spending increase aligns with concerns over Russia’s nuclear arsenal and strategic posture, underscoring the enduring gravity of the Russia geopolitical conflict.

Official Statements & Analysis

Between July 6 and July 8, 2025, the Russia Ukraine war escalated with significant drone and missile strikes, territorial shifts, and diplomatic engagement. Ukrainian forces launched deep drone attacks targeting Russian military-industrial sites, including Voronezh’s Borisoglebsk airbase and the Kupol Electromechanical Plant in Izhevsk, causing casualties and disrupting drone production. Russian air defenses intercepted hundreds of Ukrainian drones and missiles, including threats near Moscow that forced temporary closures of major airports. Russia announced full control over the Luhansk region, marking the first Ukrainian territory fully occupied since the 2022 invasion. Fierce fighting persisted in Donetsk, Kharkiv, Sumy, and Kostiantynivka with Ukrainian forces reinforcing defenses amid Russian advances.

Diplomatically, Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron held their first substantive phone call since 2022, discussing ceasefire prospects and ongoing hostilities. NATO committed to increasing defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, partly driven by US leadership. The US Pentagon initially paused some missile shipments to Ukraine due to stockpile shortages, a decision later reversed by President Trump who pledged additional military aid, reflecting continued international support complexities. The OPCW confirmed Russia’s use of internationally banned tear gas in frontline zones, highlighting chemical weapons concerns. Meanwhile, Ukraine pursued major drone production agreements with European and US defense firms to bolster its aerial capabilities. These developments signal intensified aerial assault threats, evolving geopolitical tensions, and the critical need for sustained vigilance and resilience in the protracted Russia geopolitical conflict.

Conclusion

The Russia Ukraine war continues to escalate with intense drone and missile strikes affecting both military targets and civilian infrastructure. Ukrainian attacks deep inside Russian territory, coupled with Russia’s full control of the Luhansk region, illustrate the ongoing tactical shifts on the ground. Diplomatic efforts between Putin and Macron alongside NATO’s increased defense spending highlight the complex geopolitical dimensions of this conflict. As confirmed use of chemical weapons and sustained humanitarian crises persist, the Russia geopolitical conflict remains a critical global security concern requiring continued international attention and support.

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