Russia Launches Record 355 Drones and Nine Cruise Missiles Against Ukraine

Web Editor

May 26, 2025

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Background on the Situation

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has escalated significantly since February 2022, with Russia launching large-scale invasions. Ukraine’s air force has been closely monitoring and reporting on these attacks.

Record-Breaking Drone Attack

On the night in question, Russia launched a massive attack against Ukraine using 364 projectiles, including:

  • 355 combat drones
  • drone decoys
  • nine cruise missiles

According to Yuriy Ignat, the spokesperson for Ukraine’s air force, this was the largest drone attack since Russia initiated its large-scale invasion in February 2022.

Impact of the Attack

The drone attacks on Monday followed a “terror-filled” weekend, with numerous bombings targeting Kyiv specifically. Although no civilian deaths have been reported due to the drones, a Russian bombing in the northern-eastern region of Sumy in the past 24 hours resulted in one civilian fatality. This region has been under continuous Russian siege for several months.

Kyiv’s air defense alerts lasted for six hours, as reported by the capital’s authorities. In western Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region, local authorities stated that 18 residential buildings sustained damage from Russian drones.

Additionally, the head of Odesa region, located in southern Ukraine, reported that a 14-year-old boy was injured by Russian drone activity.

Key Questions and Answers

  • What is the significance of this attack? This attack marks the largest drone assault since Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.
  • Were there any civilian casualties from the drone attack? No direct civilian deaths have been reported due to the drone attack; however, one civilian was killed in a separate Russian bombing in Sumy.
  • How did the drone attack affect different regions in Ukraine? The western region of Zaporizhzhia reported damage to 18 residential buildings from drone attacks. The southern region of Odesa saw a 14-year-old boy injured by drone activity.
  • What were the duration and intensity of air defense alerts in Kyiv? Air defense alerts lasted for six hours in Kyiv due to the intense drone attacks.