A prolonged series of aerial attacks between Russia and Ukraine has resulted in hundreds of civilian casualties, significant damage to infrastructure and a UNESCO World Heritage site, and continued diplomatic stalemate.
The exchanges of strikes have involved hundreds of drones and missiles on a near-daily basis, with both sides reporting military and civilian targets hit. The conflict, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, has seen a recent escalation in the frequency and scale of aerial bombardments.
Timeline of Major Attacks
Attack on Kyiv Apartment Building (May)
A Russian cruise missile struck a nine-story apartment building in Kyiv's Darnytskyi district. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported 24 people killed, including three children, with 48 wounded. The Ukrainian air force described this as part of Russia's largest barrage since the invasion began. Emergency workers completed rubble clearance the following day.
Drone Attack on Moscow (May)
One of Ukraine's largest drone strikes on Russia resulted in at least four deaths, including three near Moscow, and 12 wounded. Russian authorities reported that air defenses shot down 81 drones approaching Moscow and over 1,000 drones across the country in 24 hours. Zelenskyy described the attack as retaliation for Russian strikes on Kyiv.
Attack on Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra (June)
A large-scale Russian attack on multiple Ukrainian cities damaged the Dormition Cathedral within the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A fire burned approximately 800 square meters of the cathedral's roof. Ukrainian authorities reported a total of at least nine deaths across the country from this attack, including four in Kyiv and five emergency rescuers in Kharkiv. Ukraine stated the damage was caused by a Russian drone; Russia denied this and claimed a Ukrainian air defense missile was responsible.
Major Aerial Barrage on Ukraine (Various Dates)
Russian forces launched multiple large-scale attacks involving hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles. One attack, described as the largest aerial barrage in almost two weeks, resulted in at least 16 civilian deaths and over 100 injuries across Kyiv, Odesa, the Dnipro region, and Zaporizhzhia. The Russian Defense Ministry stated these operations were launched in retaliation for Ukrainian strikes inside Russia.
Ukrainian Strikes on Russian Infrastructure
Ukraine conducted a series of drone attacks deep inside Russian territory, targeting oil refineries and military infrastructure. In June, drones struck the Moscow oil refinery in Kapotnya on two separate occasions. One of these attacks was described as the largest on Moscow since the start of the war. An eight-year-old girl was killed and 17 others wounded. Ukraine also reported striking the St. Petersburg Oil Terminal, military targets at Kronstadt base, and facilities in the Tambov region.
Drone Incident in Romania
A Russian drone, part of an overnight attack on Ukraine, crashed into an apartment building in Galati, Romania, injuring two people. This marked the first time a residential building was hit in Romania since the start of the war. Romania requested NATO to accelerate the transfer of anti-drone capabilities.
Casualties and Damage
- Kyiv: Attacks have caused repeated casualties and significant damage to residential buildings, energy infrastructure, and cultural sites. A day of mourning was declared. Power outages affected tens of thousands of residents.
- Dnipro: Multiple strikes on residential areas resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries, including the collapse of a four-story apartment building.
- Kharkiv: Repeated shelling and missile attacks have caused civilian casualties and damaged infrastructure.
- Odesa: Missile and drone strikes have killed civilians and damaged port infrastructure, residential buildings, and a civilian vessel.
- Other Regions: Attacks have been reported in Poltava, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, Chernihiv, Mykolaiv, and Khmelnytskyi oblasts, damaging energy and railway infrastructure.
Diplomatic and Political Developments
Peace Efforts
U.S.-sponsored peace talks have made no significant progress. A 72-hour ceasefire proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump in May was reported to have had little impact. U.S. envoys have held discussions with Ukrainian and European officials in Berlin regarding a political agreement, but negotiations face obstacles, including the status of the Donetsk region and future security guarantees for Ukraine.
Ceasefire Proposals
Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a May 9 ceasefire coinciding with Victory Day. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy requested clarification from the U.S. on the proposal and proposed a longer-term ceasefire. No agreement was reached.
Sanctions and Military Aid
Ukrainian officials have argued against any easing of sanctions on Russia. Zelenskyy criticized a 30-day U.S. waiver on Russian oil sanctions, stating it could provide Russia with billions of dollars for its war effort. He has continued to urge allies for more air defense systems, particularly Patriot missile systems, and criticized some partners for not delivering on pledges of military support. Ukraine is also seeking the disbursement of a 90 billion euro loan from the European Union, which has been blocked by Hungary.
War Duration and Statements
GCHQ Director Anne Keast-Butler estimated that almost 500,000 Russian soldiers have been killed since the invasion began. Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine's long-range capabilities are "changing the situation." Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that a U.S. peace proposal contains unacceptable elements.
Military and Defense Responses
Ukraine
Ukrainian air defenses have reported intercepting a high percentage of incoming drones and missiles, though ballistic missiles remain a significant vulnerability. Ukraine has developed domestic long-range drone and missile capabilities, expanding its strike range up to 1,500 km inside Russia. Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced the development of Ukraine's first glide bomb.
Russia
Russia has continued to launch daily drone and missile attacks, with a record 8,150 long-range drones launched in May 2026. Russian officials have claimed that strikes target military-industrial facilities, while Ukrainian authorities report that civilian areas are frequently hit. Russia's Defense Ministry reported intercepting large numbers of Ukrainian drones.
International
NATO and the European Union condemned the drone incursion into Romania. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte affirmed the alliance's readiness to defend allied territory. Poland scrambled fighter jets as a precaution during attacks on Ukraine.