On August 21, 2025, Russia executed its most extensive wave of missile and drone strikes on Ukraine in weeks, signaling a significant escalation in the prolonged conflict between the two nations. The combined offensive launched hundreds of air munitions against multiple Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, inflicting casualties and extensive damage.
Scope and Scale of the Attacks
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, the Russian assault involved:
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574 drones
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40 missiles
A total of 614 attack munitions were deployed nationwide. Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted or suppressed the majority—546 drones and 31 missiles—but the remainder caused damage at 11 identified locations, including civilian and energy infrastructure.
Casualties and Damage
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At least 2 civilian deaths and 18 injuries reported
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Serious damage to civilian housing and critical infrastructure, including electricity facilities
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A notable attack on a U.S. electronics manufacturing facility in Mukachevo near Slovakia and Hungary caused severe damage and casualties
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Cities targeted included Kyiv, Lviv, and Kostiantynivka, among others
Local officials in Lviv reported 26 houses damaged and one fatality, underscoring the extensive reach beyond eastern Ukraine.
Military and Strategic Context
This wave of strikes constitutes the largest aerial attack in August 2025. It reflects Russia’s continued strategy to degrade Ukraine’s military and civilian infrastructure by sustained bombardment, including long-range ballistic and cruise missiles alongside tactical drone swarms.
The offensive coincides with continued ground fighting and counteroffensives by Ukrainian forces around contested eastern and southern regions.
Regional and International Impact
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Poland scrambled jets to safeguard its airspace due to proximity to Lviv, though no airspace violations were recorded.
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Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes, emphasizing skepticism about peace negotiations and calling for increased international sanctions against Russia.
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The strikes disrupted major industrial operations, affecting international businesses and supply chains in Ukraine.
Summary of August 21, 2025 Russian Strikes on Ukraine
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Munitions Launched | 614 (574 drones, 40 missiles) |
| Intercepted/Suppressed | 577 (546 drones, 31 missiles) |
| Locations Hit | 11 including Kyiv, Lviv, Mukachevo, Kostiantynivka |
| Civilian Casualties | At least 2 dead, 18 injured |
| Infrastructure Damaged | Housing, energy facilities, electronics factory (Mukachevo) |
| Largest City Affected | Kyiv, Lviv |
| Regional Military Response | Polish jets scrambled, no violation reported |
| Ukrainian Response | Ongoing counteroffensives and air defense activations |
| President Zelenskyy’s stance | Doubts on peace talks, calls for stronger sanctions |
Human and Economic Impact
The attacks amplify the humanitarian crisis, adding to over 40,000 civilian casualties recorded since the start of the conflict in 2022, according to conflict monitors. Over 3.7 million Ukrainians remain internally displaced, with 12.7 million needing humanitarian aid. Industrial destruction further impairs economic recovery efforts.
Conclusion
The largest wave of Russian strikes in weeks marks a grim milestone in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. The extensive use of drones and missiles targeting both military and civilian infrastructure reflects a calculated effort to weaken Ukraine’s resilience. The international community faces renewed urgency to support Ukraine’s defense and humanitarian needs while pursuing avenues for peace to prevent further escalation.