Russia targeted Ukraine with a record number of long-range drones in May, according to an AFP analysis based on Ukrainian Air Force data, as Kiev stepped up its calls to allies to bolster its air defenses.
Russian drone factory PHOTO: Shutterstock
Russia launched 8,150 long-range drones over Ukraine in May, 24 percent more than in April, according to a daily data compilation.
The number of Russian missiles is also one of the highest since the beginning of the conflict: 211 in May, including an Oresnik intermediate-range ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads, used for the third time since the beginning of the Russian invasion in 2022, writes Agerpres.
This record number of long-range drone strikes came despite a three-day ceasefire that began on May 9 and briefly raised hopes of a resumption of negotiations to end the war.
Moscow and Kiev accused each other of violating the truce announced by US President Donald Trump.
Russia launched one of its most powerful attacks on the Ukrainian capital in mid-May, when a missile destroyed most of a residential building, killing more than 20 people.
Kiev says it intercepted 91% of Russian drones and missiles in May.
Ukraine has developed an innovative air defense system against drones, but remains dependent on supplies from Western allies to defend against missile attacks.
Ukrainian officials have repeatedly warned that ammunition stocks for anti-missile systems are insufficient.
President Volodymyr Zelensky asked his US counterpart in late May to supply Ukraine with more missiles for Patriot air defense systems, as Moscow threatens to continue to step up its attacks.
The war in the Middle East, in which US allies have used large quantities of anti-aircraft munitions to protect areas in the Gulf, has exacerbated a shortage Ukraine has faced since the start of the Russian invasion.
Donald Trump began his second presidential term last year promising to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine within days. But the negotiations are at an impasse.
