Newsletter, #13 (July 2025)
Executive Summary
Ukraine is weathering a new wave of intense Russian aerial assaults. Missiles and drones have returned to city skies in record numbers, placing immense pressure on both military defenses and civilian morale. And yet, Ukrainian society continues to show remarkable resilience. Public sentiment reflects a dual reality: an openness to peace negotiations is growing—but only on conditions that preserve sovereignty, dignity, and Ukraine’s seat at the table.
Air defense systems have become not just a tactical necessity but a symbol of hope. Meanwhile, perceptions of Western support remain positive, though increasingly conditional on visible follow-through. Ukrainians are not asking for charity—they are demanding consistency and partnership in the defense of democratic values.
Civilian Morale Under Fire: The Impact of Escalated Russian Attacks
Russia’s July escalation has pushed Ukrainian cities and border regions to the edge. Nearly every night brings a new barrage—often involving over 500 drones and missiles in a single attack cycle.
- Kharkiv and surrounding areas remain under heavy assault, with over 6,000 civilians displaced in May alone.
- In Vovchansk, only a few hundred residents remain from a pre-war population of 3,000.
- Residents across Ukraine are coping with daily air raid sirens, blackouts, and damaged infrastructure.
Despite the exhaustion, communities continue to organize, support one another, and rebuild. The resilience on display is not passive— it is deliberate.
