Ukraine’s Air Force reported on Tuesday that Russia launched 656 drones and 73 missiles across Ukraine overnight, resulting in at least nine deaths. The attack included ballistic missiles, which are more difficult to intercept, according to the report cited by AFP.

The Ukrainian Air Force stated that its defense systems successfully destroyed 602 of the drones and 40 of the missiles. The large-scale overnight assault marks one of the most intense barrages reported recently, underscoring the ongoing escalation in aerial warfare between the two countries.

The report did not specify which regions were targeted or provide further details on the extent of the damage beyond the reported casualties.

Russia launched extensive drone and missile attacks early Tuesday on Kyiv, Dnipro, and several other Ukrainian cities, killing at least 10 people and injuring around 100, according to Ukrainian authorities. The strikes caused major explosions near residential buildings in Kyiv, where Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported four deaths and 58 injuries, including children. A 24‑story apartment building partially collapsed after being hit, and debris ignited fires in multiple locations, including near a kindergarten.

The attacks follow Moscow’s warning of continued strikes after a drone attack last week on a student dormitory in Russian‑controlled Luhansk killed 21 people, an incident Ukraine denied involvement in. Both sides have repeatedly denied targeting civilians, though Russia has continued to hit Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and key facilities, while Ukraine has intensified counterattacks on Russian oil and military sites.

Thousands of Kyiv residents took shelter overnight in metro stations as air defense systems attempted to intercept incoming missiles. Rescue teams continued searching damaged buildings for survivors as explosions were still heard in parts of the capital after dawn.

Russia’s Ministry of Defense announced that approximately 1,320 Ukrainian soldiers were killed within the past 24 hours during ongoing military operations. According to a report by the Russian news agency TASS, the losses occurred across multiple battle zones, including the North, West, South, Center, East, and Dnipro sectors, where Russian forces conducted coordinated offensives.

The ministry further stated that its air defense systems destroyed ten guided aerial bombs, one U.S.-made HIMARS multiple-launch rocket projectile, and 352 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles during the same period. It also claimed that since the start of the special military operation, Russian forces have destroyed a large number of Ukrainian aircraft, helicopters, drones, tanks, rocket launchers, artillery, and other military vehicles.

The report, citing official Russian sources, did not include independent verification or Ukrainian responses to these claims.

Ukraine has introduced a new phase of warfare in its eastern front, using unmanned robots, drones, and remote-controlled tanks to strike Russian positions without direct human presence. In recent operations, Ukrainian forces conducted six explosions against three Russian frontline targets entirely through remote systems. President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier claimed that a Russian base was captured solely with robotic and drone assistance, marking a milestone in automated combat.

The shift toward automation stems from Ukraine’s manpower shortages after four years of war and uncertain U.S. support. Units like the Third Assault Brigade’s “NC 13” have found that robotic attacks can replace thousands of soldiers while saving lives. Russian prisoners reportedly call these silent machines “Silent Death.” The technology has evolved rapidly, with robots now handling supply runs, evacuations, and even heavy weaponry. British intelligence agency GCHQ recently estimated Russian fatalities at 500,000.

Ukrainian commanders acknowledge that this new form of warfare lacks the traditional valor of past battles but recognize that adaptation to remote and automated combat is now essential for survival and strategic advantage.

Russia has warned of continued attacks on Ukraine’s defense facilities and urged foreign nationals to leave Kyiv. According to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry, upcoming strikes will target drone production centers and command sites in the Ukrainian capital. The warning follows a series of large-scale assaults that have intensified the conflict.

Ukraine condemned Moscow’s threat as “shameless blackmail” and called on its allies to increase pressure on Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that a major Russian attack on Saturday night killed four people and injured nearly 100 others in Kyiv and surrounding areas. Moscow claimed the strikes were in retaliation for a Ukrainian attack on a student dormitory in Starobilsk on Friday, which reportedly killed 21 people.

In recent months, Ukraine has expanded its drone warfare capabilities, achieving notable success against Russian targets, particularly energy infrastructure. Russia, which launched a full-scale invasion four years ago, continues to claim control over four eastern Ukrainian regions.

Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Kyiv early Sunday, killing at least four people and injuring more than a hundred, according to local authorities. The assault, described as one of the biggest since the war began over four years ago, caused widespread damage to homes, schools, museums, theaters, and other buildings. Residents took shelter in underground metro stations as explosions echoed across the city, while rescue teams worked to extinguish fires and clear debris.

The Russian military said it used nuclear-capable hypersonic 'Oreshnik' missiles, though without nuclear warheads. The attack followed President Vladimir Putin’s warning of retaliation for a recent Ukrainian strike that killed 21 people in Russian-controlled eastern Ukraine. Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting 549 of about 600 drones and 55 of 90 missiles. European leaders condemned the assault, with EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen calling it an act of desperation, and French and German leaders criticizing Russia’s escalation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Western allies for stronger air defense support, while Albania summoned the Russian ambassador after its envoy’s residence in Kyiv was damaged. Other Ukrainian regions, including Kharkiv and Kherson, also came under attack.

Russia carried out large-scale missile and drone attacks across Ukraine from Saturday night to early Sunday, causing widespread explosions in Kyiv and other regions. Ukrainian authorities reported at least four deaths and 83 injuries. President Volodymyr Zelensky said the main target was the capital, though other areas were also hit. Residential buildings, educational institutions, and other facilities were damaged, according to local officials.

Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed it used the hypersonic ‘Oreshnik’ missile in the assault, describing it as retaliation for Ukrainian attacks on civilian infrastructure. Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin alleged that a Ukrainian strike on a dormitory in the Russian-controlled city of Starobilsk killed 21 people. Ukraine’s General Staff confirmed a military operation near Starobilsk but said the target was a Russian special military unit.

Zelensky had previously warned that Russia was preparing a major new offensive and might deploy the ‘Oreshnik’ missile, which reportedly travels at ten times the speed of sound, making it extremely difficult to intercept.

Russia carried out a large-scale missile attack on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, late Saturday night, following prior warnings from Ukraine and the United States. Multiple explosions were heard across the city, causing widespread panic. Ukraine’s Air Force reported that Russia used medium-range ‘Oreshnik’ ballistic missiles. Kyiv’s military administration chief, Taimur Takachenko, confirmed that the capital was under heavy attack and urged residents to seek shelter. Mayor Vitali Klitschko said several areas were hit, resulting in damage and casualties.

The assault came a day after a drone strike on a college in the Russian-controlled Luhansk region’s Starobilsk area. Russia described that incident as a “terrorist attack,” claiming at least 18 children were killed, while Ukraine denied targeting civilians, stating it had struck the headquarters of the ‘Rubikon’ unit, which develops advanced drones.

Ukraine has recently intensified long-range missile strikes on Russian-occupied territories, including two military targets last week, signaling an escalation in the ongoing conflict.

Ten people were killed and 38 others injured in a Ukrainian attack on a college located in a Russian-occupied city in eastern Ukraine, according to local Russian-backed authorities. The incident occurred on Friday, and officials reported that 11 students remain missing following the strike.

Leonid Pasechnik, the governor of the occupied Luhansk region, said that rescue workers worked through the night in Starobilsk to clear debris from the damaged site. He confirmed that the death toll had risen to ten, with a total of 48 casualties reported.

Authorities continue search and rescue operations to locate the missing students as recovery efforts proceed in the affected area.

Ukraine has claimed that a Russian drone struck a Chinese-owned cargo ship in the Black Sea on Monday night, just as Russian President Vladimir Putin was preparing for a visit to China. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on social media that during a Russian drone attack in the Odesa region, one unmanned aerial vehicle hit the Chinese vessel.

Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk stated that all crew members were Chinese nationals and none were injured. The ship, identified as the KSL De Yang, continued its voyage despite visible burn marks on its upper structure. Ukraine also reported that Russia launched 524 drones and 22 missiles overnight, including ballistic and cruise types.

China has long called for dialogue to end the war but has not condemned Russia’s 2022 invasion, presenting itself as a neutral mediator. The incident comes after Russia withdrew from a UN- and Turkey-brokered deal that had allowed Ukrainian grain exports through the Black Sea.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned of further counterattacks against Russia after a missile strike on Kyiv killed 24 people, including three children. In a post on X on Friday, Zelensky said Ukraine would not leave any Russian assault unanswered. He described Ukraine’s response against Russia’s oil industry, military production, and those involved in war crimes as justified. Earlier that morning, he visited the residential building destroyed in the attack.

Ukrainian officials reported that rescue operations lasted over 28 hours, saving 30 people. Kyiv’s mayor said about two dozen victims remain hospitalized. The youngest victim, 12-year-old Liubava Yakovleva, had lost her father earlier in the war. Meanwhile, Russian authorities said a Ukrainian drone strike on Ryazan killed four people, including a child, and damaged a multi-story building. Ukraine’s military confirmed it targeted a Russian oil refinery.

Amid the violence, both sides conducted a prisoner exchange, freeing 205 soldiers each. The released Ukrainians included fighters from Mariupol’s Azovstal plant. Peace talks mediated by the United States remain stalled, with Moscow refusing a ceasefire or full negotiations.

At least 24 people were killed in Russian attacks on Ukraine, which caused a residential building in Kyiv to collapse. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a strong warning following the assault, vowing that Russia’s actions would not go unanswered. The attacks occurred on Friday, according to the report.

Zelensky said he had discussed long-range strikes with senior military, security, and intelligence officials. He warned that Russia was preparing to target more than 20 key sites across Ukraine, including government residences, administrative buildings, and military command posts. The Ukrainian president emphasized that his country would respond decisively to the escalating aggression.

In retaliation, Ukraine launched extensive long-range drone strikes on various Russian regions, focusing on energy and military infrastructure. The exchange marks another escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two countries, with both sides intensifying their offensive operations.

Ukrainian authorities reported that Russia carried out a drone attack on Kyiv early Tuesday, shortly after the end of a three-day temporary ceasefire between the two countries. Kyiv’s military administration chief, Timur Takachenko, stated on Telegram that Russian drones were present in the city’s airspace and urged residents to remain in safe locations until further notice. This was the first time air raid sirens sounded in the capital since the ceasefire began on Friday.

The Kyiv regional military administration called on residents to stay in shelters and confirmed that Ukraine’s air defense systems were active in the area. The ceasefire had been announced by U.S. President Donald Trump last Friday, ahead of Russia’s World War II victory celebrations, with hopes it could mark the beginning of an end to the ongoing conflict.

During the ceasefire period, both Russia and Ukraine accused each other of attacks on civilians. The truce officially lasted from May 9 to May 11, according to Trump’s announcement.

Russia and Ukraine confirmed on Friday a three-day ceasefire and large-scale prisoner exchange from May 9 to 11, mediated by the United States. The announcement coincides with Moscow’s celebration of its World War II victory. US President Donald Trump first declared the ceasefire, expressing hope that it could pave the way for a long-term peace agreement. According to Trump, both sides agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners during the truce.

Earlier, Russia had unilaterally announced a two-day ceasefire for its Victory Day, while Ukraine had also proposed a truce that Moscow initially ignored. Trump stated that he personally requested the ceasefire and thanked Presidents Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky for agreeing. He described it as a potential beginning of the end to a prolonged and deadly conflict.

Ukrainian President Zelensky emphasized that a ceasefire must be established and instructed his forces not to attack Moscow’s Red Square on May 9, when Russia’s annual Victory Parade—this year held without military hardware—was scheduled to take place.

Thousands of North Korean soldiers have reportedly fought alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, according to a BBC investigative report published on May 8, 2026. The report states that around 2,300 North Korean troops were killed while fighting for Russia. South Korean authorities said that after Russia’s sudden incursion into Ukraine’s Kursk region in August 2024, at least 11,000 North Korean soldiers were sent to assist in reclaiming parts of the area.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has publicly paid tribute to the soldiers who died in the conflict. The report suggests that in exchange for sending troops, Pyongyang received food, financial, and technological support from Moscow. In October 2025, Kim Jong Un reportedly ordered the construction of a museum in Pyongyang’s Hwasong district to honor the fallen soldiers.

The findings highlight the deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, as reported by the BBC.