Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack against Ukraine on the night of July 18 to 19, 2026, striking Kiev, Kharkiv, Sumy and other locations across the country. According to Ukrainian sources, this was the fourth large-scale raid in 35 days.

The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia deployed 125 drones, 25 ballistic missiles, 10 Zirkon hypersonic missiles and six other missiles of various types, with the majority of the vectors directed toward the capital. During the attack, the Kiev subway registered vibrations from the explosions. Two residential buildings in the capital were struck and rescue teams operated on the debris.

According to Ukrainian authorities, Russian attacks caused at least 20 deaths and over 140 wounded across Ukraine in the last 24 hours. In Kiev, at least one death and 13 injuries were confirmed. Casualties were also reported in Kharkiv and Sumy.

In the Black Sea, the Ukrainian Navy reported that three Russian cruise missiles struck a Turkish-owned merchant vessel flying the flag of Guinea-Bissau, which was leaving the war zone carrying a cargo of grain. According to a statement released on Telegram, there are at least five dead and five missing, while eight crew members were evacuated and transported to a hospital in Odessa.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared protection against ballistic missiles a priority and urged Western partners to supply Patriot systems. According to press reports, Zelensky is also considering the removal of the head of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as part of a possible reshuffle of the military leadership, while public protests against the military command were recorded in Kiev.

On the opposite front, Ukrainian drones struck targets in Russian territory, including a Wildberries logistics hub and an oil depot, according to Russian authorities.

Additionally, Russian authorities reported two arrests in Crimea on charges of espionage.