Russian missile and drone attack kills at least 22 civilians across Ukrainian cities

Russian forces conducted a large-scale overnight attack on Ukrainian cities, killing at least 22 civilians and wounding 138 others according to Ukrainian authorities. The assault involved hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles targeting multiple cities, including the capital Kyiv.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned following the attack that additional massive Russian strikes could occur later the same evening. This warning highlights the ongoing threat to Ukrainian civilians from Russian military operations that have continued since February 2022.

Ukraine's air defense forces are working continuously to counter Russian aerial attacks. Recent reports indicate they neutralized 228 of 265 Russian drones deployed against Ukrainian targets since the previous evening. In May 2026 alone, Ukrainian air defense forces reportedly intercepted over 57,000 Russian aerial targets, illustrating the scale of ongoing attacks.

The conflict shows no signs of de-escalation. Ukrainian forces reported 249 combat engagements along the front lines in a single day. The Poltava region was particularly affected, coming under a combined attack with drones and missiles that left two people wounded.

According to Ukrainian estimates, Russia has sustained significant military losses since the war began. Total Russian force casualties are claimed to reach approximately 1.366 million personnel, with 1,440 troops reportedly killed in the latest day alone. These figures cannot be independently verified.

Alongside military operations, both sides continue intelligence activities. Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) detained a Russian informant in Poltava who was gathering intelligence on Ukrainian military positions. Conversely, Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) reported detaining a Russian citizen who allegedly planned to attack a passenger train in Novorossiysk on behalf of Ukrainian intelligence.

Zelensky announced that Ukrainian military intelligence had obtained new Russian internal planning documents. These reportedly show that one of Moscow's key political objectives is to weaken Ukraine's security, economic, and strategic ties with Moldova, the South Caucasus, and countries in the Middle East and Gulf region.

Another aspect of the conflict concerns the security of neighboring European countries. Zelensky stated that Ukraine attempts to intercept all Russian drones heading toward European nations. He characterized incidents involving Russian drones crossing into European airspace as a form of political pressure by Russia against Ukraine's partners.

The continuing attacks on civilian targets in Ukrainian cities underscore the difficult situation facing the civilian population, which has endured the effects of war for over four years. The international community continues to monitor developments with concern as both sides pursue their military and political strategies.

The latest attack represents part of Russia's sustained campaign against Ukrainian infrastructure and population centers. Ukrainian officials have consistently reported civilian casualties from such strikes, while working to strengthen air defense capabilities with international support. The conflict's impact extends beyond immediate military objectives, affecting regional security dynamics and international relations across Europe and beyond.