Last month saw Russia launch in total 8,150 long-range drones as part of its continuing war with Ukraine. Moscow also fired 211 missiles in May—including its nuclear-capable Oreshnik ballistic missile—in one of the most intensive months of attacks.
This dramatic record figure emerged from a Monday, June 1st analysis by AFP, working with Ukrainian air force data. It shows that the volume of UAVs unleashed in May was up 24% on that of April 2026.
The high volume of drones and projectiles came despite a three-day ceasefire in the month of May, with each side accusing the other of violations. Kyiv estimates its air defence systems intercepted an impressive 91% of all incoming drones and missiles in May, yet a significant death toll continued to rise,
While Kyiv continues to request U.S. and European aid with missile defence, in recent times it has separately sought to expand its UAV and ‘ground drones’ expertise to position Ukraine as a weapons manufacturing hub.
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